[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/PLyfcLV.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/7CEeryv.png[/img][/center] [color=lightgray][color=E77298]Time:[/color] 12 noon [color=E77298]Location:[/color] The Edin Theater [color=E77298]Interactions:[/color] [@JJ Doe] Fritz and Morrigan [@CitrusArms] Stratya [@Samreaper] Kazumin [@Silverpaw] Wulfric [@Helo] Callum [color=E77298]Attire:[/color][url=i.imgur.com/1vyPZBl.png]Dress[/url], [url=imgur.com/3K5kt8B]Hair[/url], [url=imgur.com/fUMMfAQ]Necklace[/url], [url=i.imgur.com/ueSwGrp.png]Headpiece[/url][/color] [hr] [color=lightgray] Anastasia sat up, still catching her breath as she took in the view of the audience. She didn’t turn to Stratya as the knight’s words met her ears. Instead, she let them settle, absorbing them. Her fingers curled loosely around the cello’s neck. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft but steady. [color=E77298]"I hear you, Captain,"[/color] she said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. [color=E77298]"But I don’t believe my message was lacking at all. I have no doubt I have reached them."[/color] She smiled at her over her shoulders, [color=E77298]"I did not come here to make anyone jitter in their shoes. I came to make sure Darryn was not forgotten. To make sure the people who never knew him would understand just how much he mattered."[/color] She lifted her chin slightly, her voice still warm, [color=E77298]"And now, they do."[/color] Then, the energy in the theater shifted. The murmurs in the audience began to swell, anticipation in the air. Light flooded the stage as the curtains swept open, revealing the grand finale in a breathtaking display of movement and color. Dancers whirled across the stage, their bodies in perfect synchronization, and Anastasia’s heart swelled as she took in the sight. And then—there he was. Fritz, slipping onto the stage effortlessly. Anastasia let out a quiet, amused breath, watching as he spun into the routine without missing a beat. His presence was fleeting, disappearing just as seamlessly as he had appeared, leaving the audience none the wiser. She didn’t have long to admire the spectacle. The curtain call was upon them. She took one last breath, gathering her composure, before moving toward her mark. She caught sight of Kazumin, looking more than a little flustered. She raised an eyebrow at him, but Fritz had already whisked him into position, smoothing over the situation with the same effortless grace he always carried. Then, the lights dimmed. And in the next heartbeat—flash! The mirrors vanished, the brilliant explosion of light and confetti revealing them all to the audience. Thunderous applause erupted, rolling over the stage like a crashing wave. Anastasia’s breath caught as she looked out at the crowd, at the sheer emotion still lingering in the faces of the people. She bowed with the others, heart pounding, her body still buzzing with everything that had led up to this moment. The cheers swelled again as Fritz spoke, and Anastasia clapped along, her smile bright despite the weight still lingering in her chest. The applause was deafening. She turned toward her fellow performers, giving them a soft, genuine look of gratitude. No matter what, today had been worth it. Then, the spotlight swung upward, casting a golden glow over the royal box and Fritz called upon the royal family for their opinions, and for once Anastasia felt a little nervous. Her gaze flickered toward Morrigan, who, to her delight, offered a sweet little kiss in approval. A soft smile graced Anastasia’s lips, and without thinking, she blew one right back. But the moment was brief. As her gaze shifted, her breath caught as she had locked eyes with the King. It hadn’t been intentional, and yet, once her eyes found his, she couldn’t seem to look away. As Edin’s voice filled the theater, Anastasia held her breath. She had poured her heart into this night—not just for Darryn, not just for the people, but somewhere deep down, for him, too. And yet, as he spoke, her name never came. Then—Kazumin. Edin’s entire demeanor shifted, his voice alight with interest and enthusiasm. Still nothing. Anastasia’s fingers curled subtly into the fabric of her gown. Her throat tightened, the weight of it pressing against her ribs, and for a moment, she felt her vision blur ever so slightly, barely registering her mother's brief statement and clapping with the crowd. However, as Wulfric had begun to give his opinions, he came down and approached her. [color=E77298]"Hi Wulfy,"[/color] Anastasia greeted softly, her voice laced with warmth despite the tears still clinging to her lashes. She accepted his hand without hesitation, allowing him to lead her back to the center of the stage. When he pulled her into a hug, she clung to him. [color=E77298]"Of course it hurts,"[/color] she murmured, voice barely above a whisper. [color=E77298]"But I want it to. It means he’s still missed, and that’s a good thing."[/color] Wulfric brushed a hand through her hair, his touch grounding her, and she let out a soft, breathy laugh. Pulling back just enough to meet his gaze, she gave his hands a firm squeeze. [color=E77298] "And you're strong too, Wulfy!" [/color] she added with a small, adoring smile. [color=00F8FE]“You broke my heart with your words, and I love you for that. But what I loved even more? That everyone finally got to hear the beautiful melodies that have blessed the palace for as long as I can remember. Ana, I am so proud to call you family.”[/color] She looked up to her brother, her eyes widening slightly in surprise before softening, the weight on her chest easing just a little. A small, wobbly smile broke across her lips as she blinked away the last remnants of unshed tears. [color=E77298]"Thank you, Cal." 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