Merci for the long wait. Also, don't be frightened away because I am such a dork and post comments for myself. I just didn't know I could…:) I have a sad, feeling that this is going to be one of the last chapters. cries Anyways, I guess you want to read it, not hear my meaningless chatter. So, here you go. Masquerade by Andrew Lloyd Webber Masquerade

Paper faces on parade!

Masquerade!

Run and hide—there's another mask behind you!

I looked out the window, tears beginning to flow, at the image of Cair Paravel fading into the distance. It was difficult; leaving my most significant home. I felt an arm on my shoulder.

"Lei? Are you okay?" Wren asked kindly. Was it just me, or did Wren keep asking me that?

"I'm alright," I said, still facing the window. I didn't want Wren to see me cry. I brushed the tears away impatiently.

"No you're not," Wren said. "And that's alright. You've lived at Cair nearly 10 years. It's okay to be attached to something." Wren's voice was gentle and comforting. He actually cared about me! He was genuinely concerned. It's a great feeling to know that someone really cares about you. I felt a surge of confidence. I looked straight into those eyes, those beautiful green eyes.

"Wren, I think I'm just afraid."

He nodded at me. I turned to face the window, and the rest of the trip passed in silence.

IIIIIIIIII

We arrived in Beruna later that day. Wren's home was a large, stately manor. Rena, Wren's sister, came out to greet us.

"She lives here?" I asked, trying not to sound horrified.

"No, she's only staying until the marriage takes place." Wren said, staring at his sister.

"Oh." Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Rena swung our carriage door open.

"Lorelei! Wren! How absolutely delightful to see you!" Rena exploded. I gave Wren a pained look. He laughed, and we followed Rena into the house.

IIIIIIIIII

About two, wonderful weeks later, five letters came from Cair. The first was unmistakably Peter's handwriting. I tore the letter open.

Dear Lei, it read.

I received your letter a little too late, I'm afraid. I'm sorry that I was not able to bid you goodbye. I hope you and Wren have a good life together, and you visit Andalee and I often.

Peter Pevensie

P.S. Andalee and I are hosting a ball in honour of our marriage. I would be delighted if you attended.

A ball! I closed my eyes. After a moment or two, I opened them to read Lucy's letter.

Lei, can you come for Peter's ball? Ed and I want to talk to you. Lucy.

Lucy's was short and entirely free of useful information. But I didn't really care. I reached for another letter, with handwriting I couldn't recognize.

Lorelei Dawson, it read. Polite, so far.

I know we have never been introduced, and I feel that it is better that way. I also feel that you threaten my relationship with Peter. He actually invited you to our ball. OUR ball! Peter would never love you, and you were vain to think it. Stay away from Cair, or a disaster beyond your imagination will occur.

Sincerely,

Andalee (soon-to-be) Pevensie

I couldn't believe this! The nerve of that woman…this settles it! I'm going to the ball. You know, I was planning not to, until I read this. I'm going!

"Oh, Wren?" I called, as I left the room.

IIIIIIIIII

I stepped out of my carriage a day later to be greeted by Lucy, Edmund and Susan. But not Peter.

"Where's Peter?" I asked, politely.

"He's—he's getting ready for the ball tonight," Susan said tentatively, as though I would know it was a lie.

"Okay," I said cheerfully. I didn't really want to know what Peter was doing. He was getting married? That was fine with me.

IIIIIIIIII

The ball was actually a Masquerade, so I prepared accordingly. I brushed power through my hair to make it lighter than it's usual black. Wearing a dress with folds of golden fabric and a mask plated with gold, I felt like a queen! Eh, maybe that was a bad comparison.

I wasn't perfectly sure what I was, but for the first time in a while, I thought I looked good.

I stood at the top of the flight of stairs in my gown and mask. It was incredible, looking out into that sea of colors. I would never, not in a million years, be able to tell who was who. I walked slowly down the stairs, twirling my long curly auburn hair around my finger. The dancers at the foot of the stairs parted to let me pass. I let myself be buffeted along, until I was pushed onto the elegant stone balcony. I stood looking at the beach bathed in moonlight, until I heard something behind me. I spun around and saw Wren.

"Hey," I said.

"Hullo," he replied. "I thought I'd never find you."

"Don't be offended, but I wasn't looking," I teased.

"How can you say that, my future bride?" he teased right back.

"I know," I laughed, planting a kiss on his soft lips. I drew back, and pulled off the mask.

"Peter?" I gasped at the same moment two people said, "Lorelei?"

I gulped. This can't be good. I turned slowly to face the other voice. All of a sudden it felt like all the air had been sucked out of my lungs.

"Wren! Oh, Wren," I groaned.

"Come on," Wren said, taking my hand and pulling me towards the entrance hall. "We're leaving.

IIIIIIIIII

Why'd it have to happen? I know. I had to get Lorelei away so…you'll see…you'll see, all in due time, mes amis.

Sorry if that chapter sucked; I was writing in Science and this one boy (Caleb, for anyone whose interested) kept making fun of the fact that it's a Narnia fic. Ah well, what does he know:)