Chapter Text
The lilting melody of the violin reverberated through my already-numb ears. Graceful dancers twirled and switched partners amidst the opulent decor of the ballroom, as tables in the corner brimmed with an array of desserts and drinks. Casting my gaze outside the window, I feigned admiration for the snow-blanketed landscape obscured by the thick snowstorm.
This event was held only in the midst of winter when people revelled in the snow and sought each other's company. As I observed, I watched in disbelief as the Fatui workers strolled upstairs hand-in-hand. Who would have imagined that merciless killers could be invited to dance?
Taking a sip of my drink, I sat down, crossing my legs as I scrutinised the dancers.
"I beg your pardon," a voice spoke from behind me. "Oh, I see you're drinking." The unfamiliar man chuckled, but his accent was unmistakable. I turned to examine him more closely, the sharp contours of his mask almost piercing my eyes. Though it was not a masquerade, the mask suited him well. His hair was the hue of ice itself, the mere touch of which would freeze one's body in a sudden chill.
"Can I help you?" I inquired, tilting my head as he continued to stare at me. His countenance intrigued me, sensing that he was no ordinary man.
The man smirked, slightly bowing as he extended his left hand to me. "Might I have this dance?" he asked, mistaking me for a woman. I attempted to convey a more masculine demeanor, but he persisted.
"I must confess that I cannot dance."
"I asked you to dance, not if you knew how." In a flash, the man seized my waist, taking my drink from my grasp and setting it aside. He led us onto the dance floor, positioning himself before me. As the chorus commenced, he guided me in a gradual dance, and to my surprise, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. Because of the length of his mask, I had to lay my head on his chest. He seemed calm by this, so I kept it there until the song concluded. The throngs of people obliged me to remain close to him.
When the musicians stopped playing, he led us out of the crowd and poured me another drink.
"I hope you enjoyed my dancing skills." He whispered and then departed. Everything that occurred that evening seemed like an illusion, a dream. Time passed quickly, and it wasn't until a man who resembled him bellowed his name that I realized my situation.
"Sir Dottore!"