cold as ice.

it's another day in hometown...

noelle's just heading home from church, the slightest bit irked at the quality of the choir for the day. must she be the only one trying to keep pitch?

(she was the only one off key. she knows it, she heard it, and she's expecting the worst because of it. ugh.)

the only thing that pries her from her thoughts is the sight of a human. she doesn't think much of it at first, assumptions already made, instead seeing this encounter as an opportunity. heading over, she carefully places a hand on their shoulder.

"ah, kris. may i borrow you for a moment? i've been meaning to -- "

now up close to the human, she realizes. this is not kris. there is another human in hometown??

does her mother know? she does little to hide the fear that flashes across her face as she scans the stranger's expression, a knot forming in her throat as she takes a step back. say something, noelle, say something!

the first thing noelle feels when she sits up is the sense that she's been here before. but that can't be possible-- nothing about this sort of darkness should be familiar to her. why are the wooden pathways familiar? why is this cold feeling at her fingertips familiar?

maybe... ah. it's that dream.

she's "dreaming" again. that explains the odd surroundings; her weird outfit, hair let down out of braids... she wouldn't be caught dead looking like this if it weren't a dream! it brings some ease to her heart.

... but even if her heart is at ease, her mind remains ever curious. what about her surroundings, what could lie ahead, is that... music?

it's distant, but has an upbeat tone that matches the bright lights up ahead. while it's not exactly her cup of tea, it is a sign of life.

brushing off her dress, she takes a moment to make sure that she looks presentable before going forward. head held high, hands clasped behind her back to hide their slight tremble.

as the sounds of excitement and evening entertainment grow closer, she can't help but whisper to herself.

please like this post if you'd like a starter! be sure to specify with who if you have multiple muses!