At Ivory Towers
The sun had set below the horizon. The sky was dark with heavy clouds that promised first snow of the year while casting deep shadows across the city below.
Inside, Martha worked with the helpers to quickly clean up the living hall, erasing all traces that afternoon tea had ever been held there.
In front of the gym room, Giselle crossed her arms, standing beside Alaric as Aveline stretched and helped Elara warm up. They couldn't hear what Aveline spoke, but Elara started doing simple ballet moves she had learned, and Aveline copied her effortlessly.
Elara tried to twirl on one leg for a fouetté turn but stumbled. Aveline softly explained the technique as she executed a perfect fouetté, whipping her raised leg to the side.
"Aunt Aveline, you are so good at this," Elara exclaimed, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Aveline. Then she demanded, "Do it again, once more, once more…"
