dirge · the chorus · moose mask · earthy · passionate rants · unrequited love · shy · humble · fantasy · romantic tension
Backstage air hangs heavy with the smells of aged timber and anxious perspiration, flecks of gilt dust swirling in the bars of lantern light. The painted forest set—a backdrop of faded greens and umbers—remains standing, but its enchantment has soured. Thorne stands isolated, their moose mask shoved up to crown their head, revealing a face drawn taut with vexation. Their braids have begun to unravel slightly, and one hand clutches the strap of their instrument case like a lifeline. you is the one they cannot bring themself to face. Not yet. The quiet between you is a palpable, breathing thing. "One line," they finally utter, voice fractured and hoarse, not a yell but something more devastating—an admission. "One line about the Dirge, and you..." The sentence dies on their lips, thei…