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✫title: the artistxx✫wealth: ninexx✫kingdom: nearonxx✫tags: theodoreAnnalise's sharp green eyes studied him as closely as she could through her silver-beaded mask, crinkling her nose as she leaned forward, the bottom jewel swiping cheekily against the tip of her nose. Raising a hand, she removed the itch, then turned her attention back onto Theodore, who was gazing at her with a serene smile.
"When did you get so wise?" she chirped. He had always been gentle, open-minded, and accepting to all; Annie had always secretly been envious about it. It was something that she had always admired about him. Growing up in Soliah, the old-school town of Nearon, in a typically large household with a strict father who wished for nothing less than perfection from his children and a mother who seemed to raise her children- particularly her daughters- strictly to prepare them for the age they were rightly able to wed, hadn't always been easy for her. Anyone who knew Annie knew she wished to be elsewhere, like Greece or France, where she could pursue her dream a bit more freely than in Nearon. It wasn't to say she had no privileges in Nearon, for the King and Queen had accepted the new changes the Enlightenment wave suggested, especially regarding the arts, but it wasn't the same. The reputation of the Purcells suggested they were nothing more than party animals with a strict man to keep things under control, and a young woman like Annalise wasn't often taken seriously. She had sold a few of her paintings here and there, but it was nothing to give her the boost she desired. Although Annalise knew she would one day have to give up her passion and tie herself down to a house, bear a handful of children, and work endless days in the kitchen, she would do it unhappily. Her pleasing side would unwillingly remind her that it would make her parents happy, especially her mother, but, selfishly, she wasn't yet ready to experience that. Annie had had plenty of experience when it came to dealing with unimpressed parents, but hadn't had occurrences regarding her own displeasure.
Her gaze drifted back towards Theodore, having subconsciously flickered elsewhere. She had no reason to complain, and she had no right to, no matter how it was being done. Theodore had had a hell of a lot worse growing up. He hadn't a father, not for the most of his life, and his dear sweet mother left his being far too soon. He was soft, but Annie knew he had a determined fire burning within him. Soft, yet strong. Annalise had been envious of him for various reasons, but it hadn't ever been something that made her blood boil. It always melted when she saw him, and she was genuinely happy with his doings and how he had turned out as a young man. Her soft smile faltered ever-so-slightly at the thought of growing older and parting once more, for as much as she wished to keep all her childhood memories tight and as real as possible, there was always a day when things would break and they would have to grow stronger. Annie wasn't that strong. She may have portrayed a relatively decent amount of toughness when it came to speaking, but it was all mouth and no bite. At the end of the day, her commitment issues were still strong, and her inability to cope with change was as vivid as ever. It was a bit treacherous, really.
"I would never grow tired of you," she assured him with a light laugh, placing the tips of her fingers against the palm of his outstretched hand. The girlish grin had played at her lips upon taking in his comment on the play, and she gave in, allowing it to spread across her face.
"Although I am sure someone like my overly dramatic brother Colin would do wonders in a theatre, most certainly far better than I would ever do, I look forward to receiving a script from you. Personally, that is; I do not wish to receive a copy from whatever butler or servant you bring back from your many places of travel." She lifted a brow in amusement, though doubted it was noticeable with the usage of her mask. Dropping it, though keeping a steady smile on her face at the unofficial comment about Aretha.
She fell quiet yet again as they drifted closer to a comfortable spot on the dance floor, stepping closer to him so she could place her hand against his shoulder with ease. His scent was warm and familiar, reminding her joyously of the old days, when the only fear they ever had was making it back home before dinner was served. A warm feeling washed over her at his sincerity, and she tilted her head to keep his gaze properly.
"This party is for you, as well," she reminded him.
"I appreciate your concern, Theo, but you mustn't fret over me. This is for you to enjoy, too." His sweet words truly did mean much to Annie, though; it wasn't often profound words were directed to her with genuine, lingering truth.
"I am truly grateful for a friend like yourself; consider yourself Arkley's precious little gem. I don't wish for anyone to dull that sweet, shiny gentleness you carry on you."