Dance the night away

Many of the stories in Murmur’s library included balls, so Faust thought she knew what to expect, however, the real thing turned out to be much different. No masked beauty made a show-stopping entrance, nor did any evil entity interrupt the festivities to lay curses on anybody, the latter of which was probably a good thing. In other words, nothing that exciting was happening inside, so Faust eventually went to explore the gardens outside. 

Just like the inside of the mansion, Angora’s garden was a grand place - neatly arranged rows of trees and flowers surrounding paved pathways that crisscrossed around fountains, benches and little clearings scattered around. The noise from inside could still be heard, but it was muffled, far-away, as if coming from a completely different world. A background buzz for Faust to enjoy while she strolled around, head turning left and right to take in everything. Just as she was trying to decide whether she should steal borrow some of the blue African Violets for the church garden (perhaps they’d breed with the yellow ones she already had growing there), her path was blocked by Something, and the little bun bounced right off of it and to the ground.

Had she run into a tree? Or perhaps a trash can? Upon actually looking up, Faust realized it was a Person.

“Ah! Terribly sorry!” she squeaked.

While Adagio was absolutely thriving on the atmosphere inside the mansion; he did decide to step out for some air. He had somehow gotten the grand opportunity to play amongst other musicians for the masquerade and for the first time in a while- he was a bit nervous. It was one of his bigger performances even if it was in a small group and first impressions at such events were crucial. 

He refused to show such though, keeping a bright smile as he walked through the gardens. Looking over the many elegantly dressed party goers he passed- giving a polite nod on occasion. After an exaggerated bow and twirl towards a couple did he bump into someone. 

“Nonono- I am sorry.” The lust bun extended his apologies as well as assistance to help the other guest up.Taking a moment to look her over was he almost in awe of her beauty. “If you’d be so kind as to forgive me, I would love to know the name or alias of such a vision as yourself.” Having received multitudes of both with his introductions thus far into the party. 

Letting the stranger pull her up, Faust began lightly shaking off the dust off her veil, only to pull it around herself shily at his words “Oh, I’m– I’m no vision. I’m very real, see” she took the other’s hoof and shook it firmly “It’s Faust, nice to meet you friend” she offered a small smile, head tilting slightly.

He had a light chuckle at what he presumed was her adorable sense of humor. Breathtaking and amusing- was he quite lucky that he had quite literally bumped into her. 

“It is an absolute pleasure to meet you Faust.” The lust bun would return the firm shake before giving a much gracious bow. “Adagio’s the name and music is my game. Again, quite a pleasure.” Straightening himself out to offer a genuine bright smile to her. “And I’m not entirely convinced to be truthful. Seeing someone as gorgeous as you almost feels like a dream.” Sighing a bit dramatically to then have another chuckle. 

“Are you by chance getting a breath of fresh air as well? I can certainly understand that it could be considered overwhelming in there.” Gesturing with his head towards the inside of the mansion. Still able to hear the festivities decently from where they stood.

He was complimenting her a whole lot wasn’t he. Oleander acted similarly and, upon Mercy’s advice, Faust let it go in one ear and out the other - the priest didn’t mind nor care. But this was not the priest, and perhaps he didn’t like being ignored as much, so Faust bowed her head bashfully “You’re too nice, mr. Adagio, but perhaps you’re right. I didn’t know so many people could gather in one place, it really feels like a dream, especially inside” It really had been overwhelming, even sticking to the edges of the ballroom

“If you’re a musician” She began “then are you here to play? Have you played yet?” The wings by her eyes fluttered, then closed over them “Ashamed to say, I wasn’t paying much attention to the music since everything was… so much” 

“Just Adagio is fine, or if it fancies you- feel free to call me Gio.” Adagio playfully waved off being called ‘Mr’. His eyes shifting back to the festivities within the mansion for a moment, nodding in agreement. “It does, doesn’t it? One that I wouldn’t mind staying asleep for.” He joked lightly as his gaze returned to Faust.

“That I am! I should be summoned relatively soon for some of the next few songs actually.” Glancing around for a moment to see if anyone was looking for him already. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially when the party isn’t over just yet. Plenty of time to enjoy what it has to offer- at your own pace of course.” Understanding entirely what peace the gardens offered when compared to revelry indoors. 

“If you are still outside when the time comes, I could bring the music to you after. I do enjoy taking requests- adds to my repertoire.” After the performance he was free to do as he pleased. Which he didn’t mind at all still playing into the night for smaller gatherings.  

“You’re so very kind, miste–” Faust started, out of habit, but stopped and, to compensate, continued with “–Gio”

“But I couldn’t possibly monopolize your entire evening, when you’ll be so very busy!” It couldn’t be easy, Faust imagined, to play for such a large crowd so late at night, and then be asked to come out and keep playing, just for her. No, no, she’ll most definitely go in and listen to him later. 

In fact, since Adagio was, technically, part of the staff, did he have time to enjoy the ball and have fun? Well, Faust supposed he had time right now, but he was spending it comforting her instead. At first the thought distressed her, but then quickly filled her with determination. Surely, she could be fun too!

Swallowing back the ‘mister’ at the tip of her tongue, Faust smiled and extended a hoof “Gio, since they haven’t summoned you yet, how about we take the opportunity to dance for a bit?”

“I certainly wouldn’t mind it as you’ve been very pleasant company.” Assuring Faust that strumming a tune or two for her was honestly no trouble at all. If anything he saw it as thanks for her calming presence as his nerves had eased during their conversation. 

With the invitation to dance did Adagio have a bright grin. Giving another gracious bow before gently taking her hoof in his. Suddenly being thankful he did practice dancing amongst his other preparations for the party.

“I would be absolutely delighted.” He spoke softly and genuinely. Beginning to hum along to the song inside to offer a more clear rhythm to keep with. It was one of the slower selections to which he stepped confidently to; having a more peaceful expression upon him as the melody progressed.

Faust had never danced before, not properly at least. She and her litter mates had pretended to throw a ball once, wrapping Murmur's fancy napkins like skirts around their waists, but she doubted that was anything like this. Still, she gave herself a confident look as she let Agadio lead her into a slow dance.

The lust bun was a much better dancer than her, but Faust still clumsily tried to follow his lead and even managed to avoid stepping on his hoofs or tail (for the most part).

Adagio did notice the other bun’s more hesitant steps, leading her as slow as the song would allow. Not that he minded, especially since he was no form of expert. It was an enjoyable waltz that would shift into another. The lust bun still humming to the song as they continued to move. 

What he hoped would be a third dance would be interrupted; one of the waiters huffed as they approached the pair. Informing the musician that his presence was required within the ballroom immediately. 

“Figures.” He’d playfully scoff. Twirling Faust slowly one last time as he began removing himself from her. Giving a respectful bow of his head in thanks for the dances together. 

“Thank you Faust, this was lovely. I do hope to see you inside. But even if I don’t, I do wish you a wonderful evening.” Bidding what he hoped would only be a temporary farewell. Following the other Succubun at a brisk pace back inside the mansion. Quickly prepping with the other musicians to play in a new selection of songs.

It was really nice, dancing. Once she got the hang of the steps, Faust found herself almost falling into a trance - simply moving along with Adagio and enjoying things moment to moment. It reminded her of the calm she felt laying in the church gardens, feeling the sun on her fur and listening to the rustling of leaves and branches.

Faust wasn't sure how long they danced like this, but it was cut short by a waiter coming to pull her partner away. With a sad sigh she pulled away and gave a little courtesy bow, using her veil like a skirt.

“Thank you too Gio! I look forward to hearing you play” she called after him softly, waving after him as Adagio and the waiter moved away

“Right!” She told herself afterwards “I've gotta go in there too. Come on Faust!” with a few more encouraging words and a light slap to her cheeks, she headed towards the ballroom once more.

The song that traveled throughout the ballroom had begun softly; being led by a harp, a violin, and a lyre. Its tone shifted to something more whimsical and lively when it was joined by other stringed instruments. Offering a faster paced song for the party goers to enjoy which thankfully they seemed to with great enthusiasm. 

Adagio’s eyes scanned over the crowd, hoping to see a particular guest but kept a majority of his focus on the performance. When he had eventually caught a glimpse of lavender fur and a laced veil did he grin widely. The sight of Faust seemingly gave him more energy to put forth into his playing. 

He wished to pull her into another dance but it would have to wait. Assuming she did not mind another or perhaps a few more with him after he was done. Continuously plucking at his lyre as one song shifted into another. Hoping the sloth bun was enjoying the atmosphere even if it was a bit more energetic than before. 

Faust slowly made her way to the ballroom’s corner with the best view of the stage. The performance had already started, and she could only hope she hadn't missed too much. 

At first she only stood on the side, shily watching and applauding at the appropriate times, swaying slowly with the gentle melody. However, the tempo began to pick up, the dancing buns becoming more lively and brazen, and Faust could not keep away for long. A pride succubun whose name she didn't know, and didn't find out, invited her to dance, and she could only throw Adagio a quick smile before she was whisked away to the center of the dance floor, to be passed from one partner to the next.

It was only much later in the night, when the music was stopped for a small break while the musicians switch out, that Faust broke away from the excitement. She had missed the performers' exist, too busy bidding farewell to her dance partners, and now couldn't spot Adagio anywhere. But she had to find him, even for a minute, to tell him how wonderful he played! Perhaps he had went out into the garden again, to breathe some fresh air. She very much wanted to do just that, and it wouldn't hurt to check, right? So the bun headed out, keeping to the walls and corners of the ballroom and corridors as she did.

The smile was quickly returned once Adagio caught the other bun’s gaze. Happy to see her partake in the more energetic songs that were being played. He was soon lost in the songs that followed and was unable to keep entirely still- his tail swaying along at times. 

He strummed and continued to do so until his shift was over. Giving bows along with the other musicians to the applause that they received. His emerald eyes scanning the crowd for Faust once more, not too surprised he couldn’t spot her in such numbers. 

Deciding to venture out back towards the gardens in search of her. Even if he couldn’t find her again, a small break couldn’t hurt either. Turning a corner he nearly bumped into her as he did before, chuckling as he managed to stop himself in time.

“We have to stop meeting like this.” Adagio teased lightly as he beamed at the sloth bun. “I hope it’s safe to assume you had fun in there?”

“Perhaps this is how we're fated” Faust laughed - a quiet, melodic thing. She had many words of praise for the other bubbling up in her throat, but maybe it would be a bit rude or strange to shower Adagio with them in the middle of a dark garden walkway. Yes, that was probably best left for a glass of champagne inside where she could ask him all about his instrument and his music and all the other things that go with those themes. Instead, she should focus on what they had discussed before parting.

“Oh it was wonderful! But, since you've been freed of responsibility again, would you do me the honor?” Faust extended a hoof towards him again “I’ve realized I like dancing quite a lot”

With a smile Adagio placed his hoof in hers and the two danced the night away.