[ Byerly thinks of that dream they all had - the dream of a miserable future. He thinks of Bastien, dead for many years in that reality. He remembers the pain having been sharp, even years later. ]
And all because powerful people saw men as no more than toy soldiers to play with and crush. I am sorry, Madame Fournier.
[She looks faintly surprised to be called that, even if it was she who just disclosed the title's significance. The smile returns to her face, softer.]
So it goes, [she replies, shrugging one shoulder, the mask of stillness returning.]
[ He holds out his hand to her. When she takes it, he'll lead her once again to the dance floor - this one a slightly more sedate sort of waltz. One of the moves for more daring pairs is for one partner to lift the other high in the air - he considers Fifi (quite small and light), but then thinks of himself, and decides: he'd throw his back out. So he sticks to the saner, both-feet-on-the-floor approach, and leaves the acrobatics to the young ones. ]
Trust me, [is chided with a giggle, and she gives a little jump right on cue.
True to what she said, Fifi holds herself aloft and executes the flourish herself with trained elegance, relying on Byerly only as a flag relies on its pole. When she lands and returns to the waltzing position, she raises her eyebrows at him. See?]
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And all because powerful people saw men as no more than toy soldiers to play with and crush. I am sorry, Madame Fournier.
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So it goes, [she replies, shrugging one shoulder, the mask of stillness returning.]
Shall we dance again?
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[ He holds out his hand to her. When she takes it, he'll lead her once again to the dance floor - this one a slightly more sedate sort of waltz. One of the moves for more daring pairs is for one partner to lift the other high in the air - he considers Fifi (quite small and light), but then thinks of himself, and decides: he'd throw his back out. So he sticks to the saner, both-feet-on-the-floor approach, and leaves the acrobatics to the young ones. ]
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Try it. All the hard work is mine.
[Rather than give him the chance to say no, she positions herself, guiding his arms.]
Besides, I trust you. You haven’t had a drop to drink.
[Her glance back at him offers the most fleeting of winks— of course she knows, she’s the one who straightens his bottles.]
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But if I drop you -
[ But the beat in the music comes - and he lifts. ]
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True to what she said, Fifi holds herself aloft and executes the flourish herself with trained elegance, relying on Byerly only as a flag relies on its pole.
When she lands and returns to the waltzing position, she raises her eyebrows at him. See?]
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[ He admits, laughing, as the other dancers around them issue nods of approval - ]
You're very good. Thank you for making me look powerful and manly.
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It was a combined effort, Messere. Think nothing of it.