Chapter Four

'You're a fool.'

That was Noelle's first waking thought as he opened his eyes to gloomy sunlight. The clouds were thick outside and the normally golden rays had been diluted to a murky grey. It was hard enough to get up even when it was bright. 

On days like this, it was nigh on impossible.

'You're trusting a man you know nothing about. You never even questioned how or why he was there...a child would know better!'

Damn these thoughts.

He had to take any chance he got. And he was wise enough to flee if there was any threat. It couldn't be any worse than putting up with Karl and being sentenced to decay in the corps-de-ballet his entire career. 

Slowly, he made his way to the quaint cafe that was nestled in the sidestreets. A haven for the artists of the theatre and a bane of the waistline if one gave into the temptation of the fresh pastries. The scent alone was enough to make the mouth water. Sweet and savoury mingling with the warm aroma of ground coffee.

A small shop, it had only half a dozen dark wood tables, blending well with the beige and brown decor. The lights seldom gave more than a sultry glow, illuminating the produce and heightening the interest. It was away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets but one could still hear the faint music of the regular busker, adding to the ambience. 

Save for the weekend, Noelle resisted the call of the treats and kept to coffee and fresh bread. He never ate much of a morning and considering the young waitress was rather a chatterbox, he seldom had time.

He smiled at her when he entered, rubbing his hands to rid himself of the chill he brought with him. 

"Morning, dear," she greeted, her smile bringing a rosy glow to her cheeks. "Your usual order? Or are you going to surprise me?"

"I'm not the type to surprise people," Noelle chuckled awkwardly. "Trust me."

He concentrated on the rich, black coffee as she prattled on. Nothing she said that morning was remotely interesting and the best he did was give a polite nod to feign attention. 

He ate quickly, managing to avoid dropping too many crumbs. Any he did drop would no doubt be eaten later by the mice. However hard they tried, one or two would always thwart the poisons and learn.

The coffee was strong and hardly quenched his thirst but it ignited his senses and chased the remnants of tiredness away. At least for a few hours. 

"You seem different today," the waitress looked at him as he paid. "More thoughtful...I don't know how to put it."

Noelle smiled and handed her back some of the change as a tip as he always did, enjoying the grateful light that sprang to her eyes.

"I had a decent night, it makes a world of difference."

"I suppose." She didn't sound convinced but said no more, collecting the plates and taking them back to wash.

She was not the only one who noticed a difference in Noelle. Karl, Alexandre and the other dancers noticed a new surge of energy. One that couldn't be put down to coffee alone.

Karl's crisp remarks seemed duller when they reached his ears as if the man was having problems finding fault.

But the icy looks from the others were stronger.

"Very nice," Karl said reluctantly as Noelle landed silently from a series of steps that even his favourites found taxing. "Keep this up. And keep an eye on your turn-out."

Noelle smirked to himself. If that was the best criticism he could give, he must be doing something right. 

"Rehearsals will be this afternoon for the main cast," Karl continued with a sickly smile towards one of the young women. "Only those needed for acts two and four need attend this one. If you wish to attend simply to watch then feel free. But don't get in the way."

Alexandre approached Noelle with a smile but it didn't quite meet his eyes which seemed more suspicious than friendly.

"You took my advice?" He said, his tone crisp. "I must say I didn't expect it to have such an effect!"

"I suppose the music I heard in my head inspired me," Noelle answered enigmatically. "Your mind can create some wonderful music, and when I imagined myself as the lead dancer. It encouraged me."

Alexandre looked sceptical but nodded anyway. "I suppose that's right. Although it seldom works so well for me. Maybe because I already dance leads. Who knows?" 

"Maybe." Noelle lifted his leg to the barre and stretched idly, making it clear he wasn't willing to continue the conversation. 

'You'll see me soar.' He thought as Alexandre wrinkled his nose and wandered away stiffly. 'And I will fly without the worry of Icarus. My wings will be gilded with iron and not pure wax.'

These were words he would never speak aloud. And not for the fear of sounding conceited.  

His mind turned to Julian and the skill he had with the violin and the incredible symphonies he must have created.

It was a waste for those never to be heard by anyone else and he intended to work on that. It would be a way of paying him back and encouraging him.

'A man you've only just met...and you are thinking like this...' 

Noelle pushed back the sensible thought and concentrated on his movement. Listening to his head had held him back for too long. It was time to listen to his soul and heart for once. 

'And I will fly,' he thought again with a small smile. 'To the Gods and back.'

His eyes moved to where the clock ticked quietly and willed the hands the move faster. Karl was a good teacher, he would never deny that but Julian...Julian had a presence that Karl could never have and one that could inspire.

And that was the only reason he trusted him. Or verged on trusted. Surely, someone with malice in mind could not enchant so fully? If one had heinous thoughts then they would show through. 

Even his head could agree with that.