Entry 224; Day 538

[misterblackbird]

[Filtered from Known Enemies || Unhackable]
I think it was wise of me to keep off the Network a few days ago, when everyone was either demanding truth or setting one another off on dares. It didn't take me long to catch on to how that game worked: the name is what it is, truth or dare. I think the vestiges of the curse are still lingering, or so the Network would have me believe. You can say you were cursed, but you're still the fool for agreeing to either tell your truth or take on the dare. And more the fool for keeping to your dare after the fact. Well done on that.

But after a bit of peace, now it seems the arena has been redecorated. I'm beginning to think that we'll have to endure some kind of competition every weekend from here on. I'm not looking forward to it, not as the weeks wear on. I think it can only get worse. But there's another competition to play out this weekend: not bloodsports or racing this time, but dancing. That's a mercy compared to the other competitions.

Yes, of course I've decided to enter these competitions. I hardly think I'm cursed, but why would I be afraid of these contests? Cursed or not, why shouldn't I enter myself into these competitions? It's already done, and Miss Reinette is my partner for these dances. So now I have to dance.

But I don't see why there's such concern over it all. There were risks in my day, with wax dripping off the chandeliers, certain soldiers refusing to take off their spurs, women with sharp charms on their bracelets swinging around. Really, if one knows how to dance, it's no trouble at all. I suppose it's awkwardness, shyness, and inexperience that's bringing up such anxiety across the Network. I say this dancing is far more enjoyable than a competition. It's how I used to spend more than a few evenings. And my friends can prove that I was just saying how I missed it, dancing, seeing the ladies like bright silk flowers spinning on the arms of the gentlemen. I intend to have dancing at the party I'm going to give. Consider this a practice, then, if you intend to dance after dinner with me.

I suppose one could have called the social dances and balls in my world competitions too, of a sort. It wasn't called 'the marriage market' for nothing, after all. One had to dance, and dance well, hold conversation well, match well, and if all went well, one would be married. Or so the typical track went. I preferred to play. I hardly followed the typical track, and well did they know it. And I certainly wasn't above charging across a quadrille out of sheer boredom with the thing, so long as I had a partner who'd run with me, or whom I could snatch along with me. Quadrilles are tedious. Waltzes are far more enjoyable. The Viennese, I'm told, like to refer to their style as a 'flying' waltz, and with good reason the way they glide around. English or Viennese, I'll take it either way. Perhaps the showy version would be better, though.

Of course, waltzes are also scandalous, the way one clings to one's partner, swirling and rushing around. Truly, an outrage. Miss Reinette, I do apologise for such indiscretion with you. I'm sure you neither mind nor object. You are a splendid partner, I know. And I'm certain you know how to waltz, as well? I'm sure you know the current dances, at least.

I'm not yet sure against whom we're to dance. We've time yet for a round of practice or two, if you'd like. There are enough practice rooms, complete with mirrors and the proper floors, in the opera house. Do feel free to pay a visit this evening and we can dance a round or two to make certain of ourselves. I don't think that we especially need it, not so well as I'm sure that you follow, but it does one well to have it so settled as to be habit. (That was how one could converse and dance at the same time, of course.)

I suppose I'm to wear white tie. All the bits are somewhere in my closet, I know. I've not had call to wear it in ages. Tails are easy, but that waistcoat is eluding me. And I'm probably supposed to wear gloves too, which I hardly ever do except in the cold. I may have to go and find some decent gloves before our competition. I've time, I think.

Whoever it is we're to dance against, I've no concern about them. Perhaps it's arrogant of me to say so, but they haven't a chance.

~C.

[ooc: Strictly ballroom, bitches. Reinette-mun? Is this okay? I really, really I hope I didn't godmod her, but drop me a line if need be and I'll edit right away ♥]

Comments

[baixin.livejournal.com]

I couldn't really help that I was cursed and had to do and say things I really wish I hadn't had to. Just to clarify that people couldn't help it; they're not fools, Mister Cain.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Yes, I know that. That's the nature of curses, and we all know that. However, I have heard that some people are still keeping to their dares after the fact, now that they can help it. I'm not sure what else to call that.

[baixin.livejournal.com]

I suppose it depends on the person. If they don't mind it, then to each their own.

[lionesscouchant.livejournal.com]

I think you'll be terrific! Unless you dance against Peter.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Lucy. I know we shall be excellent. Of course you would cheer for your brother, I suppose that's understandable.

[lionesscouchant.livejournal.com]

You suppose?

[notrlyjesus.livejournal.com]

Hey, the game was pretty fun. I don't think anyone should have to stick to what they started though, no. Not if they don't want to.

But...you're willing going into this dancing thing?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I saw enough of it to know I wouldn't have enjoyed it, believe me. But I'm glad you agree that things done during the curses should have no weight after the curse ends--we say the same thing about apologies after curses too, don't we?

Why shouldn't I? I can dance, and I know I'm quite good at it too.

[notrlyjesus.livejournal.com]

We do, but not feeling bad and saving the apologies is a bit harder than ignoring the dares made in a game. Maybe they want to keep them? Who knows.

I just think it's kinda weird, that's all. What's the appeal in it? Either way, it's definitely not for me.

[i-themagician.livejournal.com]

So, to recap:

Engaging in curse activities, while mentally affected, is foolish.

However, doing so while not cursed is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

No, you've read me completely backwards. To engage in curse activities is unpreventable while one is cursed. To do so while not cursed, or to carry on a curse after the curse has ended, is foolish.

[justasystem.livejournal.com]

Ah... Earl-

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Tianzi? Is something wrong?

[teamaniac.livejournal.com]

Dancing does sound interesting.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Doesn't it, though? I have missed it, as I said. It feels a bit like home.

1/2

[princess-crow.livejournal.com]

Are you saying that people is dancing?!

[princess-crow.livejournal.com]

And none of us, corps de ballet, is involved? I never felt more insulted in my life.

[fireplacegirl.livejournal.com]

While I agree that the continually weekend competitions could indeed become tiring, I cannot help but be excited for this one.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I'm more concerned with what these competitions might eventually become. We began with bloodsports and have moved on to dancing. I don't exactly relish the speculations on what might be yet to come.

I'm quite looking forward to this myself, too.

[tinybitmad.livejournal.com]

You're so stiff, my dear Hargreaves. Some of us play because it's fun.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Are you referring to the 'truth or dare' curse of a few days ago? I can't fathom that as being fun. It strikes me as distinctly juvenile.

[imperialwill.livejournal.com]

A dance with Reinette? My, a dance competition sounds much nicer than the previous ones.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Yes, so the City has paired us. I feel certain we will dance splendidly together.

And I agree, this is far better than the previous competitions.

[bound-by-time.livejournal.com]

Oh shut it Cain.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

My sincere apologies Rosette, but whatever is the matter?