Chapter 1:
The sun set graciously, wavering slightly on the horizon and bathing everything in a warm orange glow. The atmosphere was tense with excitement as magicians hurried back and forth among the courtyard. Every year the Guild held a valentine celebration, and tonight under the watchful moon, there was going to be a masquerade ball. The afternoon had slipped past as the novices enjoyed their own celebrations, whilst the fully graduated magicians waited eagerly in anticipation. The Night Room and Banquet Hall were lit generously as servants milled around preparing food, wine and music.
Carrea looked out of her window dreamily. Although she was not one to usually partake in such frivolity, mostly due to excessive shyness, the appeal of incognito made her think twice. If she clumsily fell over or embarrassed herself entirely, no-one would know it was her. As she waited for the last rays of sun to fall beneath the ground, she looked over her dress and mask again. Hoping to not stand out, she had chosen a simple styled dress which fell to her ankles in a deep shade of red. For her mask, a complex design of swirls and waves of gold was crafted in the likeness of a sun and although a little indulgent, Carrea found it complimented the dress perfectly. I've had enough waiting, I'm putting it on. She decided with a swift motion. Grabbing the dress, she held it up checking once again for any speck of dust or loose thread. Finally giving in she placed the dress back down and hurriedly undressed. Once in the dress however, she had second thoughts. I can't wear this.. It's not right. Her eyes fell upon her mask and she felt her stomach sink. But that mask is so beautiful. I can't waste it. Wandering into the guestroom, she poured herself a small glass of wine to help calm her nerves and sipped cautiously. Outside a faint sound of music rose up from the courtyard, and she sighed once more. Taking her glass to the windowsill, she saw groups of people walking around beautifully as if in a dance. Maybe just for a little while, then I can come back. She quickly downed the remaining wine in her glass and magically curled her hair, leaving the light brown strands to fall in waves which wound tightly at each end. Lastly, she finally put on the mask and looked in the mirror. Even if I am recognised, people won't guess this is me. They would never believe I would wear a mask this lavish. Before she could change her mind, Carrea peered out of the main door, and finding the corridor empty, exited and headed off towards the courtyard.
The stars twinkled softly in the sky, making the moon appear brighter as it illuminated the small figures which seemed to glide along the floor decoratively. Amongst them, Carrea felt completely out of place, but followed nonetheless. Men sauntered past in suits of blue and black, the more lavish in white with their arms swathed in swooning women. How ridiculous do they look.. Carrea grumbled to herself, looking longingly for a man who walked alone.
"The Elyne men really do show us up. They've stolen all our women!" She heard a voice say nearby.
"No, look, there are a few which seem sensible enough not to pour themselves over the tightly clad Elynes."
Carrea smothered a chuckle as a small group of men walked past irritated. At least I am not the only one who finds it annoying! As she approached the Seven Arches, she stopped. To the left lay the Night Room where food and wine was to be served, whilst on the right lay the Banquet Hall where the dancing was taking place. Hearing her stomach rumble slightly, she decided on trying the samples of food. Inside, a large table dominated one side of the room. On it sat plates and bowls filled generously with many sorts of food – both sweet and savoury. To the other side, small tables surrounded by chairs cluttered the room, leaving the middle empty for mingling. Avoiding the large crowds hovering over the food, Carrea nimbly took a glass of wine from a passing servant and made her way to a table. Seeing people pushing each other, lunging for the last of certain dishes, she snorted softly. What idiots. It's not like the food will run out any time soon. Watching them with amusement, Carrea couldn't help but burst out laughing when one man ended up face first in the dish which no-one had yet touched. Completely offended, he strode out the door cursing at them in Vindo. Finally getting a chance to get something to eat, Carrea took a serving plate and helped herself to the leftover remnants.
"... you are only here for a few more days – enjoy it."
"As if I will find anyone here, not that... want to..."
"... charming like you?"
Carrea tried not to listen in the conversation beside her, but her curiosity was getting the better of her. The man in blue had a squealing laugh which made her flinch with each bout of laughter, where the man in black seemed bored and reserved. Squealy (which Carrea had named the blue clad man) had then tried jokingly teasing Reber (the mask which the black clad man wore) and nudged him about semi drunkenly. Reber had then walked closer to the food in attempt to avoid him, but Squealy yet again pushed him about playfully and Reber ended up crashing into Carrea sending her plate of food flying through the air.
"Watch it!" Carrea hissed trying to keep her balance and not land in the food.
"I'm sorry!" Reber apologised hurriedly, pulling her arm to stabilise her, which ended in Carrea falling forwards and head first into him. Squealy found it hilarious and fell into yet another bout of squealing. Carrea pulled away awkwardly and glared up at Reber. He grinned widely and chuckled softly. Behind his mask lay a pair of bright blue eyes.
"Are you ok?"
"I'll be fine." She blushed and looked away embarrassed. After a few moments she looked back at him, "is.. there any reason you are still holding my arms?"
"Oh, no!" He yelped, retreating his hands.
"Thank you." Carrea smiled, and went back to serving food for herself. In the corner of her eye she saw him standing there watching her thoughtfully. Once finished, she hurried away before someone else sent her food flying. Sighing, she picked at the parcels of food on her plate. The night has just begun and I have already made a fool of myself! Skewering a small piece of liquid drenched meat, she delicately nibbled at it and assessed the situation. Maybe I should go and watch the dancing where it is safer. But if I stay here quietly, I think it'll be ok. Then if there is no places to stand watching the dancing, I won't look silly. Nodding to herself, she prodded another piece of meat however the fork slipped and the piece next to it flicked across the table. Sighing, she grabbed it with a napkin and grumbled about wasting food.
"You don't seem to be having much luck with food tonight." A voice observed. Turning to face it, Carrea found the reber masked man standing behind her.
"So it seems." She giggled. "I think I'll stop while I still have some dignity." She sighed, put down her fork and pushed the plate away slightly.
"It could have been much worse – you could have choked on the meat instead. And seeing as they were made small especially-"
Carrea interrupted him with small groan, "that would have been terrible. And just my luck."
With a chuckle he slipped into the chair beside her, "well I think your luck is rather good."
As Carrea opened her mouth to respond, Squealy came charging over with two full glasses of wine, to which he was drinking some out of both.
"I don't think you should be drinking any more wine.." Reber said to his companion.
"Nonsense! I am just calming my nerves!" Squealy slurred.
"Your nerves are probably inundated with wine by now." He scowled at him.
Seeing Carrea, Squealy turned his attention on her instead. Almost spilling wine all over her, he put his face in hers and nodded. "Sorry about earlier. It was necessary."
"Necessary?" Carrea questioned, backing away eagerly.
"Yes yes! Necessary!" He carried on leaning in closer, and winked at her.
"Umm... Ok?" She replied in a small voice.
"What are you doing?" Reber yelped at him, "look, you are scaring her!"
"But it is necessary!"
Carrea took the first chance she could to slip away from them both, in both shock and embarrassment. That guy is really weird when drunk.. Although I will laugh if it turns out to be someone dignified. Like Osen! The thought made her lips curl up slightly as she tried to hide her amusement. Exiting the Night Room, she headed down the courtyard to the Day Room, away from the traffic of people. Sighing, she leant against one of the arches and looked up to the ceiling. It was plain, just like the rest of the exterior of the Seven Arches, but nonetheless Carrea kept looking.
"I can't believe you did that!" A nearby voice hissed.
"It was necessary!" Came the drunk shouting of Squealy.
"Why do you keep saying that?"
"Because it is true! If I hadn't bashed you into her you wouldn't be curious."
"If you hadn't come over, I would still be talking to her."
Squealy had stopped listening however as he saw a servant walking around with a full tray of wine, and chased after him. He then tried wrestling the tray off of the servant, and ended up toppled on the floor covered in wine. Carrea took a few steps closer to get a better look as chaos erupted on the floor.
"There you are." Reber said from directly behind her, he stood so close she could feel his breath tingling the bare skin unveiled on her neck.
Grinning, Carrea replied, "I wasn't hiding."
"Of course not."
Instead of turning to face him, she tilted her head backwards, "and what do you plan on doing now that you have found me."
"I am going to find out your name." He replied confidently. "Then if you do disappear again, I will have a better chance of finding you again."
Carrea smiled mischievously, "what if I don't want to be found?"
"Then," he said stepping forwards and holding her head, "I will have to unmask you and find out for myself."
Laughing, she pulled away and headed off back down the courtyard. Not looking back, she slipped into the Banquet Hall and was immediately lost within a sea of people. Around her, people stood holding sparkling glasses of wine, as delicate light filtered down from the ceiling. People danced graciously round in circles, and Carrea watched amazed and how many people shimmered in the the room. Weaving further into the crowd of mingling magicians, she found herself with a new glass of wine, so she carefully found her way to a less crowded side. Gently taking a sip of the wine, she was surprised to taste it was the more sweeter Anuren Dark, than the fruitier wine she had been drinking before. Smothering a giggle at her giddiness, Carrea decided that she wouldn't have any more wine, however there was nowhere to put the glass. If I put it on the floor it'll get knocked over and spill everywhere! I'll just have to drink it... Sighing she finished off the glass, and looked around for a passing servant. "Ah!" She said as she spotted one. Putting the glass on the tray, she wandered off back to where she was standing, and in the corner of her eye she spotted something unusual. Before she could figure out what, however, she found herself tripping over and falling towards the floor.
"Have you drunk a bit too much wine?"
"It would appear so." Carrea said after being caught softly in a pair of arms. "Thank you." She laughed, feeling herself flush. Standing up properly, Carrea turned to face her rescuer.
"Did you perhaps try the Anuren?"
"I didn't have a choice! It more or less was shoved into my hands!"
Her rescuer chuckled behind his silver mask shaped like a limek's face. "Excuse me please," he said looking across the room, "I seem to be being summoned."
Soon Carrea found herself on her own again, and she went back to watching the dancing people. Slowly the music changed to a softer tune and the dresses began swaying slower and slower, as each dancer altered to the music.
"Would you like to join them?" She heard a familiar voice say in her ear.
"That all depends on who I'd be dancing with."
Laughing, he grabbed her arm and pulled her further into the the crowd of dancing people. He gently wound his arm around her, pulling her closer, and took her other hand with his. As they began to dance slowly, Carrea noticed him looking at her hand intently. Turning back to her, he grinned, "you are a Healer."
"What?" Carrea said surprised, "what makes you say that?"
"Your hand is soft, and you keep your nails trimmed down. Which shows you wash your hands quite regularly, and whatever you do may require you to keep your nails short."
"I could be a lazy Alchemist who prefers keeping her nails short." Carrea pointed out.
"But Alchemists don't have access to the same soaps that the Healers do. Unless of course you have found something else which could make your skin so delicately soft."
Blushing slightly Carrea retorted, "well then that must mean you are a Healer too, or you snoop around the Guild a lot."
"Both," he grinned. "But I don't do so much snooping any more." Smiling, Carrea looked up at his mask, admiring how detailed it was. It looks like it is made of wood. But why would it be?
"Your mask... It's made of wood?"
"Yes, I carved it myself."
"Really?" Carrea said amazed, "well it looks wonderful."
Before he could answer however, the music began to fade, then stopped as the musicians took a rest.
"Aw that's a shame," he pouted, "I was having fun."
"Maybe we could dance again later?" Carrea offered hesitantly.
Smiling back at her he said, "of course." Reluctantly, he let go of her and looked around. Spotting his drunk friend coming towards them, he quickly led her away before he found them. "I don't think he saw me," he sighed when they stopped. "He isn't so bad when sober, but-"
"There you are!" Came Squealy's voice as he pushed through the crowd abruptly, sending magicians flying into one another. Carrea was thrown forward violently, as one fell into her, unhooking her mask. Before she could catch it, it dropped to the floor and landed at her feet. Quickly bending down to reclaim it, she reached out for it. Crunch. Squealy's foot landed on it, bending the mask in half and crushing it.
"No!" She cried, pushing Squealy off of it. As she picked up the broken mask, she felt something brush by hair, and found herself masked once more. This is... Standing back up, she found that Reber now stood unmasked with a small smile on his face. So that's what he looks like.. Shame I don't recognise him though... Speechless, she stood looking shocked and confused. He took the mask out of her hands, and looked at it critically.
"That wasn't very nice of you!" Squealy hissed at her, but before either of them could say anything, Reber cut in.
"Look what you just did." He said angrily, showing him the broken mask. "You should be more careful."
"Well it was just an accident. Now," he said bringing a bottle of wine out from somewhere, "I have found a whole bottle of Anuren we can share."
"I don't want to share your Anuren." He scowled furiously.
"Fine fine." Squealy muttered, then bounded off back into the crowd.
"Sorry about that," he apologised to Carrea. "But I don't think he'll be coming back this time."
"That's good." She sighed. "I can't believe he broke my mask." Receiving it back, she looked at it sadly.
"It's ok, maybe it can be fixed with magic. Let's go find somewhere to sit, and we'll see."
"Thank you." She said as she followed him back to the Night Room. However instead of heading to it, he directed her to a bench on the courtyard. A warm breeze blew through the grounds as the moon shone down gracefully upon them both. Carrea sat down softly on the bench and looked at her mask again. The metal had been flattened and bent, all crumpled and ruined. She sighed again at the damage.
"Let's have another look." Carrea passed him the mask, and looked at him hopeful. "Hmmm... Well I'm not sure I could fix it myself, but I do know someone who might." He smiled.
"Thank you." She smiled back. "But, why did you put your mask on me?"
"It'd spoil the fun, and you don't have to worry about your mask as much now. It looks a lot better on you too."
Chuckling, she replied quietly, "I prefer it on me too. It means I get to see all your face." A soft echo of the University gong rang through the courtyard signalling the end of the ball. "Oh, I didn't realise so much time had passed.. It doesn't look like we'll get that second dance after all."
"Nonsense," he said jumping up and holding his hands out to her, "we can just dance here instead."
"But-"
"But?"
"Everyone will be heading this way now." She said embarrassed.
"Ok then, we'll go somewhere less public." He grinned, still holding out his hands. Hesitantly, Carrea placed her hands in his, and he pulled her up in a swift motion. "I know the perfect place." He said leading her towards the gardens. The hedged area provided a semi private area, and some of the garden seats were already filled with lingering magicians clad in ballgowns and suits. He stopped them by one of the empty garden seats, and placed her mask down on the stone bench. "Do you want to put my mask on here too?" He teased. "I hope here is ok for you."
"It's fine." She smiled shyly.
"Perfect." He replied, standing closer to her. Carrea held her hands out for him to hold, but he shook his head. "Not this time," he said leaning closer, "this time I want you to put your hands on my shoulders."
"Oh, ok." She said confused. Moving her arms, she placed her hands gently on his shoulders, and he wrapped both his arms around her waist.
"That's better."
"Y-" Before she could say any more, he quickly put a finger to her lips.
"Shh." He whispered, removing his finger, and replacing his hand to her waist. Together they danced for a while in silence, unaware of the time passing by. After a little while, Carrea was unable to smother her yawns. Slowly they stopped dancing, and Carrea looked up at him.
"I'm afraid it has come to the end of the night. If I keep you any longer, you'll be falling asleep on the spot."
"I'm sorry." She chuckled, "I don't usually have such exciting nights."
He reluctantly unwound his arms from her, as she let go of his shoulders. Picking up her mask once more, he looped his arm under hers.
"Come on, I'll take you back." He smiled. Winding their way back out of the gardens, they walked the short distance to the Magician's Quarters, and started down the corridor, past the lower level rooms. "Which one is yours?"
"This one." She said stopping at a nearby door.
"Nice and easy to find then." He grinned at her, "I will return your mask once I have fixed it."
"Thank you." She smiled, "not just for that... For this whole evening."
"I should be thanking you, for being such good company." He said taking a step closer to her, and Carrea felt her heartbeat increase wildly. "I enjoyed this evening very much too." He carried on softly, looking down at her with a small smile upon his face. With a slow movement, he leant down and placed a tender kiss upon her lips. "Goodnight." He whispered, looking deep into her eyes. Feeling light headed, Carrea watched him walk off down the rest of the corridor, and float up magically to the next floor. I never gave him his mask back...