on the edge
Let's go back to the day of the festival, to the open day at the castle...
The Imperial Palace is a majestic and impressive structure rising in the center of the capital. It serves not only as a symbol of the emperor's power, but also as his residence. Every corner of the palace is imbued with the history and grandeur of the imperial dynasty.
Externally, the imperial palace looks like an impregnable fortress, surrounded by high walls and protected by guards. Its architecture combines elements of various styles such as Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical, which gives it a special elegance and grace. Carillons placed on the high towers of the palace periodically sound, filling the surrounding atmosphere with magical sound.
Inside the palace there is luxury and sophistication. Various halls and rooms are decorated with precious carpets, expensive paintings and sculptures, as well as massive furniture made of precious wood. In the purple hall, intended for receiving guests, pendant chandeliers made of crystals reflect light in a thousand colors, creating a unique atmosphere of luxury and nobility.
The aromas of exotic flowers, which strew the flower beds and squares inside the palace, permeate everything around you. Well-kept gardens and parks create a peaceful atmosphere where you can retire and enjoy the beautiful nature.
----
Vienna looks like something straight out of a fairytale in a lavender ballgown. Her dress is decorated with rich, luxurious fabric, on which embroidered patterns with gold and silver threads are visible. The dress has a long corset that emphasizes her graceful waist.
A thin diadem decorated with precious stones is gently wrapped around her head. Her hair is styled in a rose-like style, wavy like Madonna's, and gives the impression of incredible delicacy and femininity.
The large volume of fabric creates a feeling of luxury and grace, and this allows the girl to look tall and stately. The sleeves cover her hands, but her body pattern is visible through the thin, sheer fabric, giving her a sophisticated look.
------
Vienna and her family got into the carriage and drove off.
When they arrived, they saw a very large crowd of people around the castle walls, some were waiting for the emperor to make his speech and announce the beginning of the festival, while others came thinking that they could gawk at the contents of the aristocrats' ball.
Vienna walked through the gate with her parents and was already ready to exit the carriage when she was pulled by the sleeve.
"You forgot your mask, this is today's dress code," said her mother, after which she got out of the carriage and joined the crowd of nobles.
"Father, won't you follow the dress code?
"I have an important meeting, I don't have time to have fun with these masquerades.
"Mm..but this is an order from the emperor..
"Don't be confused...the Empress is the organizer, or rather she came up with the idea...
"Who organized everything then..?
"The one who holds the position of chamberlain.
"Um, I see
"Well, I'll go, don't do anything stupid.
_always says only this, it infuriates...
She put on her white and lavender mask covering the half of her face, and entered the ballroom, where the most beautiful composition of all time was playing "Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565, Johann Sebastian Bach"
_soooo, I just need to stand on the side until this is all over? I think the place next to the snacks is the best, hehe._
Seeing the feast, she immediately took a plate for herself and began to serve herself various cakes.
Then suddenly the sound of drums and trumpets was heard.
Emperor Leivish Trilon the third arrived, next to him was his empress, and behind them were both princes.
The emperor went out onto the balcony in front of all the citizens, they gave him his speech, and he began to read it:
*Dear subjects!
Today I stand before you to announce the beginning of a great festival that will be celebrated in all corners of our empire. This holiday will unite us all in a common pursuit of fun, joy and social consciousness.
The festival will be a symbol of our unity, power and culture. We will meet in the square and streets to celebrate together, enjoy music, dance and various forms of art.
On this day and all subsequent ones, we must forget all our worries and problems, and surrender to the joy and pleasure of communicating with family, friends and neighbors.
Let this festival be a symbol of all our achievements, reminding us that we are capable of peaceful and joyful coexistence despite our differences.
Congratulations to you all on the start of the festival! May it bring you happiness, health and good mood! Glory to the Empire!*
After his announcement, he returned to the hall and sat down on his throne, next to his empress.
"Tell the orchestra to resume the music! Let the fun begin!"
Let's raise our glasses to another successful year!
The Emperor raised his glass of alcohol and they repeated everything after him.
_god, I told myself that I wouldn't drink today, but my vision is already blurry._
"Umm"
Behind her stood a guy who touched her on the shoulder and gave her a rose.
"I know it's not very polite of me, but...would you like to dance the first dance with me?
A waltz began to play in the hall, and all the couples began to dance.
"Sorry, but I already promised someone.
"And who is it?
"Me!
A familiar voice was heard, it was Ray, dressed in the most exquisite clothes.
He held a bouquet of flowers in his hands and approached Vienna and handed it to her.
He bowed and gave her his hand and then said.
"Sorry I'm late, shall we dance?
Grabbing his hand, she gave her answer.
"Ah..yes..with pleasure.
At the ball, the waltz is performed majestically and elegantly. Couples choreographically line up, hold each other's waists and smoothly spin around the floor. The ladies' dresses fan out, the wide ladies' skirts rise and fall, emphasizing the grace and elegance of movements. Men confidently lead their partners across the entire area of the hall, emphasizing their strength and resilience. Waltz music speeds up and fades, creating a reverent mood. In waltz dance, couples are fused into a single whole, every step, every movement is both beautiful and coordinated. The waltz at the ball is a symbol of romance and style, drawing everyone present into its atmosphere. This wonderful dance is reminiscent of the luxury of ancient balls, where couples in love glide across the parquet with ease and grace, like airy clouds.
The creators of the waltz were convinced that its movements could lift the spirits and provide support, so the dance has always been associated with joy, bright feelings and anticipation of new meetings.
"Are you good at dancing?
"Not as much as you... did you rehearse our part for a long time?
"It's not that hard
"I will believe you
Why did you want to dance, it's not for the sake of gratitude,right?
"Um, I just wanted to improve our relation, because I thought that the last time at dinner was not successful
"Hmm, the atmosphere was not the best
"That's it, maybe we can have a glass after a while?
"I don't mind.
So each of them went to the side, after which her gaze came into contact with Argen, who was in the center of a conversation with other gentlemens.
_he's having fun, I'll go sit in the fresh air_
She went out onto the balcony and sat down on the sofa, starting to look at the stars and fall asleep
"Knock knock, is anyone here?
Leaning over her head he smiled
"I don't think this is the most appropriate place and time to sleep, don't you think so, madam?
"God! I have fallen asleep.. when? More precisely.. how long did I sleep? What time?
"Don't worry, not even 15 minutes have passed, I immediately followed you.
"Damn, you scared me
"Did you sleep well last night? Or are you so bored this evening?
"Both, here you can die of boredom,and there's no one to talk to.
"Then..I will be your interlocutor, we just needed to discuss something a few days ago, but you never showed up at the meeting.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot, and you didn't write a letter either.
"I wrote...
"Seriously? Then.. probably my mother asked to confiscate them before the end of the festival...
"Then...maybe we can go out and talk somewhere else?
"Now? I don't think this is the right time and place, even the walls have ears, and I promised my father not to get into trouble with my integrity.
"But I didn't say that we would sing a serenade in front of everyone, no one would notice that we were missing, don't worry.
Smiling, he grabbed her wrist and dragged her backstage, so they quietly went out into the palace garden
"Phew phew ..I told you that everything will go like clockwork
"Ha..haaa..why did you have to run like that...I rubbed all my legs...
"Oh, let's sit down
Over there, over there
Looking around, he found a bench next to a thicket of roses.
"Look at the stars, they are so beautiful, just like you, they shine in the darkness.
"You're embarrassing me, aren't you seeing the clouds that are gathering? It's going to fall soon.
"I have an umbrella with me, do you need to borrow it?
"It's not necessary, I don't think it will be necessary.
"Well...as you know, but I warned you...
Will you go to the festival? Or will you spend the whole evening in this palace.
"I'll go right this minute, don't follow me
"Don't your ankles hurt?
"Oh, oh, damn, it hurts, it's all because of you!
"Maybe we can talk about Demian and then we can go for a walk together?
"Maybe we shouldn't talk about murder even on such a joyful day?
"Okay, as you like, are you leaving already? In this dress?
"Yes, why?
"Are you so eager to be robbed?
"Damn it, I don't have a change of clothes, what should I do?
"Wait, I'll bring it to you.
Going outside, he ordered her to wait for him in the garden until he bought her ordinary and comfortable clothes.
"So what? Do I just have to wait until he shows up?
She muttered under her breath.
"Oh! Edingberg! Long time no see.
Turning around, she saw Rina and Adele walking next to her.
"Ah.. hello
"It doesn't look like you're happy to see us, hmm hmm
"As you can see, if you're not blind.
She cast a cold glance at Adele and began to adjust her heels.
"Oh my God, did I somehow offend you? I didn't think that you would hold on to the grudge for 5 years.
"I'm not offended, but I'm also not eager to communicate with you, so please, get out of my sight.
"Well, we did what was required of us, we will leave you.
They disappeared behind a tree and Argen showed up instead.
"Hey, you're all sweaty, have you been...running the whole time?
"Ha, ha..fuuuh...as you can see, here..here are the clothes, try them on, I bought them by eye.
"Um, okay, let's go...
"Where?
"I'm not going to change clothes right here..!
"Oh yeah, so where are we going?
"I'll change in the guest house, definitely not in the middle of the hall, fool.
"Ah..haha, exactly.
------
"Okay, now we can go our separate ways.
"how..is this..I thought we would go for a walk together.
"Don't even dream about it, well, I'm off.
She was walking among crowds of people and enjoying street music, when it immediately began to rain.
"Lord, I should have listened to that rude guy...!
Due to heavy rain, the entire road is blocked and the horse cannot be used...
"So how is it?
"What?
Turning back, Vienna saw an impudent face, bending over the girl and covering her with an umbrella, he grinned..
"Heh, I told you that you would regret your refusal..
Placing his hand on her forehead, he was surprised...
"Your face is so hot...
"Huh? AHH? I.. I.. it's none of your business!
Throwing off his hand, she turned away from him.
_fool, why did you approach me so closely!_
"Okay okay, here you go.. are you happy?
It's raining so hard, you're completely soaked
"Yeah...
------
"Ugh
"Girl, are you sure you're okay?
Do you need any help?
"No, thank you, I'm fine...
"Then I'll leave you
"Yes, thanks for your concern..
Mary, waking up from her long sleep, got up and went to her new home.
"I'm back! Sorry for coming so late..
"Oh my God! You're all wet!
Wait, stay on the threshold, I'll bring you a towel..!
"Yes..apchhii! ugh..
"You..." having given her to dry off, she began to lecture her
"I told you to take an umbrella with you, the rain was torrential..!
"I..it got lost, I put it next to me on the bench and it..
"Stolen? Who would steal an umbrella, don't fool me..!"
"Nah, he was carried away! F-L-E-W A-W-A-Y...
I opened it when it started to rain, and from the strong wind it flew away and...
"AND?
"Stuck on a pine tree...
"After?
"I couldn't get it, so... so I came, soaked to the skin..
I shouldn't climb the tree after all.."
Mary grumbled under her breath, looking at her wet sneakers.
"Hmm.. I see, then quickly go take a shower
"Yes..apchi!
Mary went to draw herself a hot bath, mulling over all the events that had happened to her..
"I...how did this all happen?
Like...which memories are real and which are fake?
I don't understand anything anymore...
Who exists...and who doesn't?
Vienna Edingberg..who the fuck are you?
-------
"Mary! What took you so long? Are you okay?
"Yes, I just came in..
"I brought you a towel, they ran out in the shower, are you really okay?
"Ah.. I'm fine, my eyes are just blurred from the steam in the bath..
*Just lost in my thoughts...*she whispered under her breath
"If that's the case, I'll come in and hang a towel for you, hurry up and go out and eat, I've prepared dinner.
-------
"Vienna
"Mary
"Vienna!
"Mary!
_ah, everything is mixed up in my head, who I am and where I am...
"Why did you go out in the rain?
"Are you coming out of the bath soon?
*One side is drowning in the bathtub and the other has fallen on the street, which one needs to be woken up?*
_what are you talking about? where am I? why can't I hear my own voice?_
*We are in your mind, there is no need to open your mouth*
_what am I doing here? and.. where should I be at the moment
*Think about it yourself, where are you most needed?
Vienna? or Mary?*
_Of course, I am more needed in the present! I can die if I drown, but nothing will happen to Vienna! Argen is with her.
*Since you decided so, then just save yourself and return to your original place..good luck*