Staring down at the city, Jamie let a glow of nostalgia illuminate his eyes, relieving himself of his usual demand to maintain a nonchalant disposition. The Rosendahl had forgotten the blessings of autumn, from the smell of spices to the sight of hundreds of candle-lit pumpkins dispelling Regalia's usual darkness. Even the air seemed different, crisp and light and fresh; but whether this was a courtesy of the new season or the retreat of Zerlo's Illness, Jamie couldn't tell.
Although the vibrant colors and scents of fall did bring a well-needed sense of jubilation to the Rosendahl's daily routine, a second and more taxing emotion piggybacked on his exaltation; melancholy.
Jamie was never one for constantly examining the past and dwelling on events that had happened years prior. Yet for the past few days, his mind had suddenly decided to shuffle through the files of his memory, curiously sliding out the more poignant selections and perusing them for seemingly no reason at all.
Tonight, it was his feet.
Although the Rosendahl, having been raised in Brissiaud, was a staunch supporter of the Regalian military, it couldn't be denied that the folk dances and waltzes of his more cultural counterparts held a certain appeal to him. Jamie had always been preternaturally coordinated, and the Leutzman usually found solace in practicing this skill, whether by fencing or perhaps even dancing.
How long had it been? It was once a pastime he frequently entertained, before Marianne left him and before the business of his family was a top priority. Jamie's interest in the hobby had been rekindled after meeting a certain redhead, though the brief flame had quickly died down to meager embers after she too had moved on, though in a different manner that invoked bittersweet pride in the Rosendahl's chest.
Jamie's gaze slowly drifted to his feet, enclosed in the tall and stiff leather boots of a military man. The Leutzman briefly toyed with the thought of removing the casings to see if his once steel-hard and durable ankles had gone soft before conceding that such an action would only stink up his bedroom. Regardless, his inquiry remained. Dancing. Would his limbs still prove apt for the challenge?
Returning his attention to the peaceful view of Regalia, Jamie resolved to find out.
