๐๐๐๐๐๐โ:
Yelena does her best not to flinch under such an uncompromising gaze. Such indifference, such โ was that revulsion, even? โ is certainly not what she is used to.
โWhy yes, of course.โ She says this brightly, just barely resisting the urge to spit it through gritted teeth.
โItโs been such a unique learning experience, to perform such a variety of roles, you know?โ She flashes the woman her warmest, most relatable smile.
โWonderfully egalitarian, in a way. Iโm sure such an effort in teamwork, in working with other talents to keep the entire show on its feet, in between the shiny, attention-grabbing headlining roles.โ
God, how Yelena hoped she would buy this. All of this anti-individualist sentiment, none of which she had been feeling as of late in the slightest.
โIโm sure, as someone so committed to hard work and a communal ethic, will appreciate that. And Iโm confident that this little detour into the duties of soloist will do so, so much to improve my performances as a principal in the future.โ
โ Zinaida Petrovna?โ Well, that sure didnโt take long, she thinks. Barely a second in and all she can talk about is the Unionโs precious jewel. โDo you know, Iโm not sure. Tied up with Councilor Godunov, I expect.โ
Time to stall, to charm, just a bit.
โOdette is an absolutely fantastic part, really, and one Iโm sure Zinaida Petrovna and Ms. Miro will thrill to play. When I performed it โ not so long ago โ it was a punishing, incredibly emotive taskโฆBut Iโm being silly. You might remember. Perhaps you saw it?โ
โโฆDo you tend to like the ballet, personally?โ
If Anna had doubts about the Pearl of the Union, they had been assuaged. The woman had her head about herself, she was assured.
โI saw your last performance, quite emotive I must say. Sabitova will need to put on an excellent performance to compare to you.โย
โI do, I very much appreciate the hard work all those who participate endure for their craft.โ Her gaze wanders to the dance floor before landing on Yelena once more. โI apologize if I seem distracted, there is someone here who vexes me to no end. If I am being quite honest, their mere presence unnerves me.โ