Chapter Text
It had been an arduous day. The kind that left one feeling heavy in not only the arms and legs, but through to the core. The lady had been pacing her room for hours, the clacking of her heels on the aged oaken floors drowned out only by the incessant muttering and shaky cigarette drags. Her daughters, even with their usually high spirits, knew to keep their mouths shut, drifting quietly in their insect forms, careful not to disturb their mother. God forbid they anger her further. True as it may be that Alcina loved her daughters dearly, the mere sound of buzzing flies would be enough to push her into another fit of rage. Best that they give her the space she needed; perhaps she would cool down, call them to tea and the situation would be put behind them.
Daniela, who had found herself growing impatient after hours of nothing, wandered aimlessly into the dimly lit halls. She floated lazily inches above the ground as to limit the amount of flies visible and dampen her footsteps, lightly brushing her fingers along the walls. Passing through the library, she noticed Bela, head hunched over a tome. Must have been something boring as Bela’s head seemed to dip ever so slightly before jerking upright, hastily looking up as to make sure no one had noticed. Before she had a chance to see her sister, Daniela had long since reached the opera hall, peering down at the grand piano placed in the far side of the room. Still hovering, she took her time to follow the staircase down to the first floor. She was in no rush, and her mother would scold her should she be caught flying about; she called it “unladylike” and “improper for a Drimitrescu”. Of course, the lady was still in her quarters, far from the hall, but there had been more than one occasion where Daniela could have sworn she was alone, only to be met with the frustrated voice of her mother.
The piano itself was ornate, matching the rest of the castle’s decorations. Golden accents plated the rich wooden instrument. Lady Dimitrescu always took great care of her furnishings, but ever since the last maid had been sent to the basement, a small layer of dust had begun to pile up on the key’s cover. ‘They’d be needing a replacements soon’ Daniela mused as she drew a gloved finger across the cover and set herself down. The case made no sound as she lifted it, and she gently placed her fingers down on the cold ivory. It had been long before she met her mother that she was able to play piano. She couldn’t recall much before her transformation and yet her fingers fell into place with ease. Right thumb on middle C and fan out on the white keys to the sides. Make sure the fingers are bent, but not curled. Press with purpose but follow the dynamic markings when written. She felt her stress melt as she allowed her body to move on its own, the notes ringing out in the hall’s amphitheater. It was only when she felt the piece begin to pick up that she realized what she had begun playing. Danse Macabre. Of course, her mother’s favorite.
The lady would often have Daniela practice the song to put her energy in something other than bugging her sisters. She was the youngest and often felt the piano was a little more than a belittling chore to keep her in one place. But as she grew more skilled, Daniela found herself more often in front of the instrument, deft hands flying up and down the keys. She could have sworn the piece was made for her. The song began with the clock striking midnight, hailing death’s approach only to grow more frantic and loud. The grand finale of hectic buzzing and flourishes of heavy notes reminded her of the thrill of the hunt. The chase between cat and mouse, of life and death, of predator and prey. She could still see clearly the look of approval on her mother’s face when she had finally disposed of the first disobedient servant. The glint in her eye that seemed to solidify Daniela as one of her daughters. Loyal to the end.
As the piece neared its end, growing quiet and somber once again, Daniela sighed and gently raised her fingers, reaching for the cover. It had grown late and if her mother hadn’t calmed down yet, it would best to let her cool off alone. As soon as she touched the cover however, she was met with the sound of applause. Surprised, Daniela lost her grip on the case and it fell onto the keys with a loud crack, echoed by the hall.
“That almost sounded professional, one would have thought you’ve been practicing,” a voice cooed, still clapping.
“Oh shut it Bela. At least I don’t doze off while reading books about unseemly activities,” Daniela said, turning sharply to face her sister.
Bela returned her quip with a sly grin, before gliding down the stairwell and reclining in one of the chairs on the other side of the hall. “I didn’t say that you were bad, only rusty. And god forbid I read, I might become the only educated daughter in this house.”
“Well then you’ll be pleased to know that I’m finished with my rusting playing for tonight. I’m headed to bed so that I’ll save your ears the pain of hearing my ‘racket,” Daniela sneered, rising from her seat. Bela gave her an exaggerated frown but didn’t press her further. Of course she wanted Daniela to play more, but she’d never admit such a thing. Daniela could feel her intent and gave a labored sigh, matching if not exceeded the melodramatic look in her sister’s expression.
“One more piece and then I’m off to sleep, understood?”
Bela’s eyes lit up and she quickly sat up in her chair, any semblance of her prior mopiness completely gone. “You’re so kind to me, sister. Would you be even kinder and play my favorite piece?”
Daniela knew her Bela’s favorite as well. A waltz by Benno Eban: Daydream. The song was sophisticated but with enough jauntiness to hint at something playful. A good fit for her older sister, who while was quiet, could still hint at her more excitable nature when it came to getting rid of pests about the castle grounds.
Setting herself back down in front of the grand piano, Daniela smiled. Watching as her sister closed her eyes as the song began, tapping her fingers lightly in her lap. Even if her mother wasn’t in the best of moods, she wasn’t alone that night. Despite the occasional squabble between her and her siblings, they truly did love each other. Sometimes love was a playful fight and playing piano into the night. And sometimes, that was all one needed after an arduous day.