INDURATIZE.

“ It’d be unwise, wouldn’t it?” he joked, laughing with her in agreement. He watched as the material of her dress gracefully flitted in the air, along with a couple of entrails of her perfectly placed hair. She sure was a snarky one but a beautiful friend nonetheless ! So long as the conversation steered away from those pesky witches….

He shimmied his shoulders in their dance, frees-tyling for a moment as if to inflate that ego of his and show off– though the lack of music would only further indicate the silliness of Jack Skellington. But for this, she loved her dear friend, didn’t she? 

“ Concessions so easily ! That’s hardly a fair game!” He chuckled, expecting a friendly quip, “ Though, being horribly busy does not exactly entail that I was having fun without you. You know better than to assume that ! Of course I’d make time for you, please, come for a visit ! Sally and I would love to have you over for dinner ! And she could tell you herself just how wonderful she’s been doing ! But in the mean time, tell me how you’ve been. ”

indeed there was a fair bit of adoration to be had of jack, even in the state of him now as he whirled about as though a madman as invisible threads of music lay in the air. it brought an easy chuckle to her lips, presenting himself as he did. dare she say, he was a most treasured friend to keep. “sometimes a fair game isn’t all there is to be had, dear heart.” and still the breath of a chuckle remained. 

“true enough. though you are the sort to have his fun someplace, aren’t you?” after all, where would poor jack be without his whimsy? “a dinner invitation? well that does sound nice. we must plan for it soon, i imagine. where the time permits.” her schedule did hold a lack of predictability really, so narrowing that down to the letter wasn’t always easy. it also mattered that her ghoulish friend had his own kingdom to tend to. “i’ll admit, i do find myself on the wearier end of things occasionally, but i do manage somehow. i don’t imagine i’d trade it for anything.” her freedoms meant the world to her, frankly, after being so long without. 

“Hopefully. Maybe. Eventually,” Arthur felt grateful for Odette’s words, he knew she’d been away from court for some years. Even a small leave of absence, he figured, would feel rather strange suddenly coming back – especially since he had brought about much of the ruckus in the past few years. But they were all promises he’d heard before, from Merlin, from other nobles, from his advisors, and yet he still couldn’t remember something as simple as which spoon to use for soup and which one was used for ice cream and –

– And none of it was Odette’s fault. Getting worked up over it certainly wouldn’t help. Instead, Arthur smiled and nodded and offered her his thanks, that he’d keep trying to be the sort of king he knew Camelot needed. Unfortunately for Odette at least, they currently had one who didn’t know much about ballet. “Well…that’s not what I…okay, maybe that is what I said, but they’d still have to be a harsh judge in finding something wrong,” He insisted. “Really, it was quite a lovely performance. The festival should consider itself lucky to have such a performer,” He continued. “But if that’s the case, it seems as though we may not be seeing one another for a while. I’m not sure when you’re planning on returning…or if I’ll be off visiting somewhere else for a trade deal or other negotiations when you are. I’m glad our paths could cross again now, before you left.”

a ghost of a grin escapes easily at his apparent lack of faith in his future, though surely his skepticism was a warranted thing. they were still so early in the game and he had plenty to learn. that said, there was no helping her humored response. “your certainty is encouraging, at least."

and that grin from before only blooms further, nearing an outright chuckle really, as he attempts to wiggle his way out of the predicament he’d unknowingly trapped himself. there were hardly any efforts on her part to stall her gradual amusement at his expense and possible embarrassment in fact, though surely it was such a rare thing to see her laugh at all it might be forgiven. “i’m only joking, arthur. i do appreciate your kindness.” and certainly, in parts, that statement held enough truth. no matter how impossible, odette was never the sort to stop short of anything nearing perfection, however, so undoubtedly this practice would hardly be her last.

“i’ll admit i don’t necessarily mind the unexpected surprise.” she states finally at the idea of their coming together in this way. “perhaps we’ll make a habit of it more often. assuming merlin isn’t occupying your time too terribly much.” surely the warlock had a penchant for it; though as the maiden understood it, it was all in the name of making their king a little more capable than he stood at present.

     “  the  fish  today  is  fried  catfish,  dipped  in  a  remoulade  sauce  with  a  side  of  hush  puppies,  corn  on  the  cobb,  and  some  greens  to  put  some  meat  on  them  bones, ”  tiana  recited  with  eased  practice,  reaching  to  place  a  glass  down  in  front  of  the  woman,  napkins  to  follow  in  short  succession.  “  if  you  want  a  more  light  fish,  the  tilapia  and  rice  pilaf  is  good,  but  my  favorite  is  the  shrimp  and  grits.  you  can  substitute  the  shrimp  for  red  snapper,  but  i  don’t  recommend  it  if  it’s  just  goin’  to  be  you  dinin’.  it’s  a  lot  and  meant  to  shared  with  another. ”  tiana  flashed  a  smile,  moving  a  couple  steps  to  the  hostess  station  to  grab  a  water  pitcher,  returning  to  fill  the  cup.  “  there’s  more  on  the  menu  o ‘  course,  but  since  ya  asked  about  fish,  that’s  what  we  have  right  now  until  the  dinner  menu  starts  runnin’.  i’ll  give  ya  a  second  to  think  it  over  if  ya  want ? ”  

as the list of what was currently available is rattled off with the ease of any expert in skill or memory, a vague sort of uncertainty befalls odette for a brief enough period as she considers what she might actually want. certainly she could do without a bigger meal, as so kindly stated. when the question of ruminating further is finally presented in the end, a quick shake of head initially follows. “no, it’s quite alright. the shrimp and grits might do?” if it was claimed a favorite by the hostess no less, then who was she to disagree? besides that, it seemed an easy enough meal to partake in and she’d always veer towards the simple where possible. “thank you, for the water especially. you’re quite kind.”

Odette was very different from most of Willa’s other acquaintances, with her manners and her general respect for the laws of society.  Willa didn’t understand why she bothered, or really why either of them tolerated the other, besides the obvious ‘it was fun to annoy her’ on Willa’s end (she was just so prim) – but she supposed if she were one for any sort of introspection, there was perhaps a bit of understanding somewhere underneath it all.

But mostly it is just fun to annoy her; she makes it so easy, after all.  Willa raised an eyebrow.  “It’s beyond me too.  Who’ve you heard that from?  Seems like a waste of imagination, if you ask me.”  Her lifestyle was not glamorous by any means, but personally, she did not mind.  It was better than being trapped in one place, bored out of her mind – though perhaps she had simply been living like this for so long, she had gotten stuck in her own ways, such as they were, and refused to see it.  Whatever.  She didn’t see the point in changing, anyway.

Different as they were, there was one thing Willa really had to respect about Odette, and that was her ability to mind her own business – or at least, to not turn Willa in, which was basically the same thing, as far as she was concerned.  She grinned.  “That’s the spirit.  So – what kind of grand adventures bring you down this way?  I would expect to see you somewhere much more high-class than this.”

the raise of brow and subsequent response is met with little in return in the maiden’s own features. it permitted none, really, and a passing indifference is evident in tone when she spoke again. “you would think so, wouldn’t you? i imagine they were going for a laugh, though who’s to say.” and the very idea did seem laughable now, given the state little red now appeared. odette wasn’t sure, exactly, if this life of willa’s had been chosen or gifted by circumstance. if she were a betting sort, she might assume the latter. regardless, there didn’t appear much effort to will herself away from the life or live up to better potential, so what concern was it of odette’s in the end? they all had their own lives to lead, after all.

at the mention of what brought to this neck of the woods, so to speak, there’s barely a moment’s pause before the maiden moved forward anyway. “well, you do know what they say of assumptions, don’t you?” not that odette expected willa to pay her nearly as much mind or attention — certainly not as much as that apple she so greedily kept in hand — and she much preferred that. for the sake of appeasing whatever mild curiosity and keep willa at bay, however, something of a proper answer slips through. “i have an errand. thought it best to keep myself occupied awhile.” perhaps she’d forgo tea for now, should this continue.

Closed for @scngswan·

The courtyard was quiet that afternoon. This area  has always been hectic. But the seer opted to read anyway. The wind blew slightly in his hair, the opaque eyes hidden behind it. There was the seer, highlighting and adding notes in the margins when he heard a sound. Tiresias tensed up. He didn’t see it in his visions- was it that thing launting is visions. The seer turned around, the scowl on his face. 

“Show yourself.” He stated. “Sttate who you are!” 

“i must say, that face doesn’t suit you terribly well.” her voice calls out clearly, though a touch of humor graces her. it fades as odette nears, however, an etch of concern in features he cannot clearly place. “it’s odette, if you’re still unclear. i didn’t mean to disturb your reading.” indeed, she hadn’t quite known what she’d find this far out in the courtyard, perhaps aiming for a bit of peace though tiresias was generally a welcome sight. “i can leave, if you’d like.”

odette had only just gathered necessary things, silk material and other such fine fabrics with intention to have them weaved through into finer dresses for later needs. they lied boxed away carefully as she strolled the grounds and crossed the stairs of the castle she remains as a guest, wishing to meet with those far more capable than she at such talents. upon nearing the designated room in question, however, the maiden is met with the unexpected surprise of another face -- one she’d been led to believe had been away on other business and thus presently away. it gives her pause, understandably, though odette presents a welcoming expression all the same. “.. philip? back already i see. i hope your trip served you well.”

“ Does this mean you shall lead? ” Of course, the gentleman wouldn’t allow for this despite whatever reply she could muster. He, instead offered a chuckle before spinning the swan princess in a delicate twirl. How graceful it was pretending to be something he wasn’t !

The silent music wasn’t as enchanting as dancing with his old friend, despite Zero’s yips and nips at their feet. The waltz was, at the very least, an entertaining game to the hound. Jack shook his head and began a hum to drown out the pup. A couple of soft bum bum bums~ would replace the enchanting silent melodies they made up in their heads. “ I have been missed? How endearing ! I could say the very same to you. You’ve surely made yourself scarce far before I became enthralled in Halloween Town’s newest establishment. The grand opening of Misses Lovett’s Meat Pies has taken most of my days. ” He grinned as an invisible chef’s kiss was in the air as he envisioned the melty goodness of the savory pies. “ Other than that, I’ve been up to no good as usual. And you? What have you to say for yourself? When you miss a friend, you should reach out ! There’s always time in the world for dearest, Odette. ”

despite the suggestion on whether she’d lead and whether that’d even be permitted in the first place with such a compatriot already at the helm, odette knew better than to indulge the fantasy with anything short of a quip of her own. “i wouldn’t wish to bruise your ego now, jack.” the implication alone is enough for a smirk to sweep across painted lips just as she’s twirled about, soon in position to resume their effortless sway again rather easily. 

a slight frown, barely enough to notice, does take hold momentarily at the mention of her own lack of presence in his life. the need to do better at bridging the inevitable gap between them when such events unfold in the future, as surely they might, is well-noted. “i’ll concede: you do raise a good point. i’ve been rather awful lately, you have my sincerest apologies. i am glad you’ve been able to enjoy yourself in my absence, all the same.” even if the manner in question appealed to her far less, if the name of the establishment was anything to go by at least. “i should hope you’d make a little time for me. i’d be rather distraught otherwise i fear, and it’s best to avoid such a travesty, really. more so when i take such pains to amend my terrible ways to start.” 

on the matter of time, though, the maiden does find it necessary to ask, “you’ve made time for sally as well, i hope? she’s well, isn’t she?”

@scngswan

So maybe it was a bad idea to try to steal from one of the largest merchants she had seen in a while.  Willa knew that now.  Well, she knew that this particular large merchant was cleverer than he looked, and next time, she needed to keep her guard just a little stronger.  That was fine.  Luckily, she was a much faster runner than him, even without taking into account the difference in their statures that allowed her to slip through the crowd and lose herself much more easily than he could.

Willa didn’t really care about any of that though, because, despite the close call, she still got the apple.  Once she was pretty sure she was far enough away to be safe – it was just an apple, after all (just an apple from him, anyway) – she ducked around one more corner, then made herself comfortable, though still alert, against a wall.  At the sound of another approaching, she stiffened, ready to run again, but then, realizing who it was (and, more importantly, who it was not), she grinned.  “You’re not gonna tell on me, are you?”

of course, when first heading into town, odette had little intention of dealing with too many familiar faces. her goal had solely been to make use of the nearest tea house for a bit of quiet, some personal time. regardless of having her own quarters within castle walls, such a thing could still prove elusive on occasion with so many faces wandering within. she also had little intention of bailing on camelot just yet on account of several other concerns that required her attention. and so the shop was naturally the next best option available that didn’t involve nearly as much in the way of excuse or reason — more so as she found herself in need of a few decent flavors. 

however. willa bolting across her line of sight just as she neared her intended destination, with stolen goods no less, was the very last thing odette anticipated dealing with.

“why anyone imagines you’ll one day do better for yourself is rather beyond me.” the maiden begins in a show of usual honesty, a leave of breath in what might initially be presumed as agitation presenting itself just prior. 

her next response is hardly any more forgiving of the wasted moments when permitted the question of how she’ll handle the matter of the apple either frankly, though it’s assumed to be something of a saving grace to her acquaintance all the same. “well, i’d be forced to go out of my way for it, wouldn’t i? i don’t see that benefiting either of us, really.” 

the dancer begins forward again after a time, assuming her business with willa entirely done with as she aims to pass her by. “i do hope it was worth the needless exercise. maybe you’ll learn for next time.”

“I forget sometimes still that there’s people who can get drinks and food for me,” Arthur sheepishly admitted, though he didn’t mean to sound incredibly ungrateful. Seeing the other people surrounding the refreshment table…he was glad someone had brought them drinks rather than having to push through the crowd. “All your life? I think that certainly shows. Really, you were quite good,” Arthur nodded. “No, nothing seemed out of step or unbalanced or…anything,” He shook his head. “If I’m being frank…I don’t know much about ballet – yet, anyway, I wouldn’t be surprised if I find it somewhere on my list of additional subjects to study. So unless someone is an expert, I don’t think they’ll see anything wrong with it,” He continued. “Is that the routine you’ll be taking out of the kingdom this time? May I ask just where you’re headed off to next?”

a brief, quiet chuckle is summoned at his humility. “it isn’t the easiest adjustment, growing up as you might have.” despite knowing very little of his circumstance before, odette knew, as most had, that this environment was not his own. if the stories weren’t enough of a tell, his manner certainly had been. “you’ll get there.” she promises. and the words fell from her lips as if her understanding on the matter rang truer than it should have, particularly given her own state of affairs. admittedly, however, returning to court after years beyond its walls fending entirely on her own, had been a shift most unpleasant. at least in those first few days, when she found herself at the height of exposure and victim to customs she no longer felt so familiar. 

nodding and vaguely accepting his words of kindness despite being born of some level of naivety when it came to the subject at hand, there’s an upward tick near the edge of her lips that follows his push of honesty. “so you’re saying an expert might find fault in it. i appreciate that.” and this, despite what her feigned, slighted tone trailing the smirk might suggest, was entirely true. odette was her worst critic always and approved of brutal honesty far more than she favored empty flattery. she suspected that arthur had intended neither, however, and that alone was reason enough for the near smile he’s presented with. 

“it isn’t an actual kingdom this time, but somewhere in between. a festival of sorts, if you can imagine.” it was meant for commoners more than any level of royalty; a sort of celebratory event meant to raise spirits in times of need. quite a crowd was still anticipated all the same, and the maiden would imagine any number of noblemen would attempt to sneak their way in regardless. it’d become customary at most performances these days, to meet with at least a fellow or two of notable rank. 

That was a fairly familiar voice in the air wasn’t it ! And though she was speaking to Zero at first, the curiosity was enough to snap Jack back to reality.

Eyes fall upon the noble swan princess, and Jack immediately offered her a curtsy. Zero was already offering nuzzles into her, of course. If that wasn’t a positive affirmation to her question, Jack would verbally agree, “ A trio it is. Though there are a fair amount of toes for you to step on ! ”

He chuckled, walking over to her.  Her hand was to be taken for a light friendly ghoulish kiss, first. He had to be respectful of her culture in Camelot. “ Though, “ he had a request, “I’ll be having that dance first. You see I was absent in attendance at the last fae ball. I’m afraid I’m in need of a bone rattling waltz ! “ He tugged at her hand of course, pulling her into the proper position, “Now it is I, who promises to not step on your toes, dear friend ! ”

at the curtsy, a nod follows as odette finds herself otherwise occupied by the hound within a brush of her fingers and form. a ghost of a grin blossoms into a soft chuckle at the mention of more toes to bother with than she usually would, the creature directly before her capturing her attention a brief minute more. “so it might seem. we’re rather lucky i’m typically a coordinated sort, aren’t we?” 

permitting the kind and customary gesture sometime thereafter, the brunette joins with jack easily, delicate fingers held in his own as they begin their own sway to inaudible threads of melody. “well, then, if you insist. it would be quite rude of me to refuse a king after all, wouldn’t it?” meant only in jest as surely she had every intention of following through on his request, odette continues on, “how have you been lately? i feel i’ve missed you more than i might care.”

@scngswan·

A lot of time being king, Arthur had come to learn, was spent socializing, but certainly not in the way he’d once thought. He didn’t get to just sit at a table drinking beers with friends from other kingdoms or landowners within Camelot, he had to sit up straight, he had to pay attention, he had to laugh at the jokes he didn’t find funny and nod intently to trade stories he found boring. And ballet? Arthur, while he appreciated the art, didn’t know the first thing about ballet. Yet he sat and listened to Odette’s brief performance, and made sure to clap when she had finished. “That was quite a dance,” Arthur said. “I’m sure you’re thirsty. Here, let me get you a drink,” But before he could even make his way to the table where refreshments were set up, one of the servers carrying trays approached and offered them both small cups of water. “We have…quite the hired help around here,” He continued, then turned to look at Odette more directly. “How long have you been dancing for?”

it was a snippet. barely considered that of practice run. it was intended as something simple to traipse and step along to, in accommodation to some of the newer collaborators within the company. with a scheduled performance only a few short weeks away, it wouldn’t do for them to be so poorly prepared. of course, when she requested a limited audience to survey the routine, if purely for the sake of honest opinion on their efforts thus far, odette hardly expected the young pendragon to be among them. the swan maiden couldn’t say she minded exactly, since he was a person of opinion as anyone else should be. she merely assumed he’d had other matters to occupy him. 

“we do, don’t we?” there’s a trace of a smile given at his efforts to secure her drink, the glass accepted with minor fuss and very much appreciated as she drank a sip or two. “all my life, it seems.” she offers after, barely a thought given to the response. “i remember being told i was born for the role, though it might seem so long ago now. .. you really didn’t mind it? nothing seemed amiss at all?”

It was just a subtle swivel of the hip as the music in his brain played for only his ears. A set of eyes were shut as the movements of his boney structure continued to sway to the jazz sounds left, right, left right– tiny bounce here, tiny bounce there. A crony untrained voice gave verbal indications of the solo jam session inside Jack Skellington’s head as he sang “Just a jackknife has old Macheathe, babe ! ” A couple of finger snaps followed, “And he keeps it ~ ” he let the note hold drastically longer than usual, “Out of sight !”

The barking sounds of Zero, the lovely and loyal Ghoul dog were entirely drowned out, despite the impetuous attention grabbing nature. As if to add insult to injury Jack waved a finger at the best friend of his, eyes still closed in his soft imagined dancing in an ornate ballroom, “Not now, Zero! I’m having the time of my life. You should learn to dance as well. It’s quite chilling! ”

Swift movements had the soles of his feet gliding all alone on that sidewalk nearing the graveyard of more beloved friends. Moreover, the sounds of approaching footsteps were out of earshot and eyesight. Zero, would instead move to greet the individual since Jack was ignoring him anyway !

it is difficult, perhaps, to hide steps in muddled ground, the sound of leaves and twig carrying ahead despite the brunette’s natural tendency towards lighter footing. she could sooner gather feathers and take flight, perhaps, if only to avoid the noise summoning a guest unexpected. however, odette did so wish to enjoy her evening stroll on human toes, and she’d done well to scout an area that was typically more abandoned than not, void of beast or enemy. .. or so she believed well until the point dark hues took in the dancing skeleton king.

“oh yes. i imagine you’d get quite a thrill out of it, dear zero.” a soft chuckle breathes past her lips and into the chilling air as she kneels to greet the kind hound at her eventual approach, fussing about his form in whichever manner might better suit the sweetheart of a ghoul before her gaze trails back to her very dead compatriot. “is the duo alright with becoming a trio for the evening? i do promise not to step on too many toes.”

“  —-  hey  there  !  gimme  just  one  moment  and  i’ll  get  y’all  seated  ! ”  it  wasn’t  often  for  her  to  be  at  the  front  of  house  —-  preferring  to  spend  her  time  in  the  back  with  the  other  chefs  instead,  but  it  had  been  an  off  day.  people  hadn’t  shown  up,  others  clearly  had  their  minds  on  everything  but  work  and  so  she’d  cut  as  many  people  as  she  could,  letting  them  go  home.  she  knew  exactly  how  frightening  everything  had  been ;  to  say  she  wasn’t  frazzled  would  be  a  lie.  “  hey  !  how  can  i  help  ya ? ”  she  asked,  coming  around  the  corner  with  a  smile.

the sight at her step indoors bore remnants of staff and patron, though with the recent unfolding of events, it was little wonder why. the loss of a sultan, a man of dignity and reverence, surely had a way of wearing through the right sort of crowd. of weighing them down. and so the assembly, though a sliver less than usual in number or manner, was forgiven. even expected. and the same, certainly, could be said of her would-be attendant, odette permitting the requested reprieve with little fuss or worry. instead, patience played true in delicate features, blooming in words that might sooner leave her when finally addressed up close. “you’ll forgive the question i hope, but would you recommend today’s fish, by chance? or is there perhaps something better suited for a midday meal?”

𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞  𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧  𝐚  𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞  …  odette maris  was  known  as  the  poised  &  affectionate  dancer with  a  reputation  for  being  a  laura harrier  doppelganger  .   but  now  ,  under  the  stress  of  the  war  on  the  horizon  ,  the  natural  born  unaffiliated  noble  shapeshifter  ( swan )  has  become  widely  known  for  being  rather  circumspect  &  contentious .   let's  see  how  long  the  camelot  native  will  last  during  this  war  .   after  all  they're  only  twenty-five years  old  .   +  she/her  &  cisfemale  ,  swan lake  .

hello! i’m eva, 21+ and below we have a bit of odette’s history and some connection ideas. feel free to message me here or through discord at EVA #8722 for plotting or anything else!

pinterest is here btw!

@scngswan 

Maleficent faded out of the shadows, letting herself fall into the step of the crowd milling around her. The festival was a small one, some trifling celebration that celebrated the beating heart of a little village. But Maleficent didn’t care about the festival or the people around her. She was here to see her goddaughter dance, and that was all that mattered. 

The performers’ tents were set up behind the stage, a mishmash of fabrics and sounds. Different songs in different voices, the cacophonous mix of instruments playing their own tune in spite of all the others wrapping around them. Maleficent slipped into the single silent tent, weaving green flame into a verdant lily. 

“You look radiant, mon cygne,” Maleficent said. “I look forward to seeing you in action.” 

it wasn’t an unusual sight for her, the vibrant views of a smaller community brimming to life in decoration and glee. just less commonplace as of late, and understandably so given the period of mourning and seclusion. perhaps, this was merely their way of coping with recent happenings, and who could blame them? revelry was often seen as a suitable means of grieving. her decision to participate had been in wish to support their endeavors after catching word, though she hadn’t necessarily imagined such a turnout when throwing her hand in. it isn’t unwelcome, really. 

neither is the sight of her infamous godmother, unexpected though it may be. “surely your flattery is misplaced, though i’ll never say you haven’t the talent for it.” as odette had a mind to anticipate some impatient attendee with a finger on the clock in the woman’s place when she first turned, her expression shifts from slightly agitated to that of grinning delight in no time. “it’s been too long.” with the lily accepted at once, delicate limbs move to embrace the woman almost too eagerly, the absence of the other more apparent in these last few weeks. there’s an appreciating glimmer in her eye as they part. “i’d be lying if i claimed i expected you, though i do know your love of a marvelous entrance.”