Work Text:
When a small delegation of Inazuman nobles requested a private performance from the Zubayr Theater, word spread throughout the bazaar like wildfire through Dharma Rainforest. Fresh off the disaster of the Subzeruz Festival and appearance of a mysterious doctor, the people of Sumeru City were all but searching for a happy occasion. And what could be more exciting than foreign nobility on an exclusive tour arranged by Sumeru’s most renowned merchant?
The taverns pulled out their best cutlery, shopkeepers made sure their best (and most expensive) goods were out on display, and even the Akademyia was intrigued by the prospect of foreign knowledge.
The only person seemingly not excited was the Zubayr Theater’s most renowned dancer.
Nilou had dedicated her life to her craft. She was a master of her craft, seamlessly weaving her hydro into her performances. Yet no matter how long she had been dancing, her stomach always started to flip at the idea of important guests watching her dance. This show was incredibly important to the rest of the troupe. The lighting designers, musicians, and the other performers all relied on her to do her part. She couldn’t begin to imagine the disappointment in their eyes if she were to ruin it for all of them.
She looked out over the bazaar and quietly assessed the group. They were led by a blue-haired man dressed in a shockingly white suit- Sumeru City may not have been the desert, but really, not a single speck of sand?- and his blond companion. The performance wouldn't start for another hour, but the nobles had come early to take in the sights and the market before the performance.
Excusing herself, she carefully made her way up the ramp into the city. There was a small pond nearby where she usually went to think. Meditating there (and maybe getting in one last practice) would help her clear her mind before the show.
Nobody else ever visited the pond, which was why she had claimed it as her safe spot. This time though, she could make out an elegant figure through the trees. With the silent steps of a dancer, Nilou crept closer to where the girl was dancing.
The stranger had white hair and a blue dress that fanned out as she spun. Her feet left patches of sparkling ice everywhere she stepped. It was so different from the dance Nilou practiced. While Nilou’s moves were light and flowed like the water she controlled, this girl danced with refined steps. She was clearly trained, and yet, despite her practiced moves and obscured face, Nilou could feel the emotion pouring out from her.
Excited by the sight of a kindred spirit, Nilou stepped forward towards the end of the pond. She should introduce herself, right? Or would the other dancer be scared off? Maybe she could-
Before she could process what had happened, the redhead found herself falling forward. She must have tripped on something while she was distracted. And her costume was going to get wet! And then she wouldn’t be able to make it back in time and the nobles would leave and everyone would be let down and- she closed her eyes, bracing herself for the inevitable splash.
None came.
Slowly opening her eyes, Nilou found herself face-to-face with the dancer. She sucked in a breath.
The girl was even more beautiful up close. Her white hair was pulled back, revealing concerned blue eyes.
“Are you alright?”
Nilou felt her face heating up. “Am I…huh?”
Confused, she looked down, realizing she was cradled in the pretty girl’s arms.
“Oh! I’m so sorry, I was just admiring your dancing. I’m a dancer too, and I wanted to introduce myself. But then I was worried that might be weird and I tripped and…ugh this is so embarrassing.”
The girl let out a light laugh, helping Nilou to her feet. Her face was equally as red.
“Don’t apologize. In fact, it is I who should be apologizing. It isn’t proper for me to be out alone like this. My name is Kamisato Ayaka. My brother has some business and arranged this trip for us. We’re supposed to be seeing a show tonight, but I must have lost track of time.”
“Show…brother…oh archons! You’re one of the nobles from Inazuma! I’m sorry, my lady. This is so improper, I didn’t even think…”
Ayaka sighed, shaking her head. “I already told you, you’ve done nothing wrong. I…am glad to have run into you.”
She looked away, cheeks somehow deepening to an even deeper shade of crimson.
“Well…in that case, would you like to walk back together? I also need to get back before the show since I’m dancing in it. I left to get some fresh air because uh…I’m not really so great with people, but..maybe…maybe it won’t be so bad if you’re there?”
Nilou pinched herself. What was she saying? She’d just met this girl and was already feeling…something she couldn’t quite describe. She shouldn’t be talking to a guest like this, much less one of such high stature. But something about the other just drew her in.
“I’d like that Miss…”
“Nilou.”
“Miss Nilou. It would be my pleasure to watch you dance.”