"This is going rather well."
"We got through the door."
"Without incident!" It chirps with a smile and a wink. "That's a step above my expectations."
I ignore the fox, turning my attention to our surroundings. An ornately designed, but short hall that leads directly into the ballroom. Those that have already arrived keep to themselves in small groups, some already donning their masks.
It doesn't stop me from seeing their sidelong eyes flickering from their companions to us and back, pushing their words to a hushed whisper inaudible under the general din of noise.
Watching, gauging. Judging. I narrow my sight onto one particularly curious wolf, its gaze lingering for a bit too long.
It looks away, I do much the same afterwards. My hand balls into a fist. There'll be more around later, I imagine, and I loathe it already.
"This was a mistake."
"Losing your cool already? We've barely begun."
"I'm not suited for this environment." A sharp intake of air, a shake of the head. "But I'll live. Let's move on."
"As you say. Let me take point. Don't stay too far behind me." Fox walks on towards the ballroom, back straight, head held high and a sway in its hips. I follow behind, just within arm's reach.
The longer we walk, the less I feel their curious eyes on me. Whether it's because of their curiosity being sated or because of the fox, I care not. Normally I'd admonish it for the display, but not in this case
"Didn't think I'd have to do this so soon, but I'll have to make do." The tone in her voice sounds so condescending. Ich.
"Good job." I say instead, smothering the riding heat in my chest. This is the plan, after all.
The ball room itself is quite spacious, lavish with decoration. The chandelier above lightens the room. On the far end of the room lies two hallways, leading deeper into the mansion, a dragon fountain that spills a deep red wine sits between them. To the left of that sits stairs that lead upwards, onto the second floor.
An empty stage sits beside that, tables lining the wall of both food and drink. There's more draconic fountains sitting on those tables, spilling ever more wine, cups placed around them. Despite the relative size of the room, most seem to be gathered before the stage, with smaller pockets around the table and fountains. It's a swathe of colours, both human and keidran, from blonde to brown, from orange to red and blue.
Those last two catch my eye. Though I can't see their faces well, from how they stand together and chat to one another, they seem close. Friends, perhaps, though Red seems a great deal more open.
"Well, here we are. I expected more honestly, but we'll deal with it. Let's mingle with the crowd.
"As you say." I sigh, running a hand through my hair. I brush my fingers over the mask, I'm tempted to put it on. "Lead on."
"Just play along and pretend to be friendly."
And so we walk into the crowd. I try to keep a neutral face, it'd do no good to scowl, no matter the temptation.
Fox seems to blend into the general feel naturally, her gait relaxed and head nodding towards others, who do much the same with a smile on their face.
"Maybe some wine would do you good, to soothe your nerves." It looks behind me as it speaks, a soft smile on its face and a wink.
It wishes for me to play along, then. I'll roll with it.
"Perhaps, no harm in trying."
"Let's, then." It gives an approving nod and looks away, its pace quickening. We brush past a few attendees, though only one seems to take notice, a human, his hushed greeting muted underneath the noise.
The Partner grabs two glasses, filling the first and immediately holding it to me. I hesitate for a moment before taking it out of its hands, peering into the swirling liquid. It's bright red, smells like fruit.
"Alcohol loosens ones tension, and their tongues. Do make sure to let anything important slip." The fox comments, filling its own cup.
"As if this swill could affect me." I snort. It's been long since I've partaken in alcohol, I doubt something that keidran can drink could do much to me.
"Mhm, as you say." The fox rolls its eyes, raising its cup to the air. I bump the side of mine against it, taking a sip afterwards.
Hm.
"Tastes nice." I say after a moment, letting the flavour roll around in my mouth. Fruity, much like its scent. "Are you sure this is alcohol? I wouldn't have guessed."
"Mm, definitely. Just very weak alcohol is all, keidrans are particularly sensitive to it after all." It explains with a smile, hand lifting to take another sip. "Having patrons passed out before the event can begin won't be seen as proper. Others might bring out the stronger stuff later, or those who wish for it have brought along their own supplies, who's to say?"
"I see." I nod along as it speaks, humming to myself. "Is there any reason to drink now? For me, that is."
It looks frustrated, eyes narrowing and lips twisting upward for just a moment before fading.
"Yes. Two reasons, actually. The first is that it lets you blend into the crowd, look around for a moment. Discreetly, if you can manage it, do you feel anyone trying to look at you?" It makes a motion with its head. I follow the suggestion, letting my eyes and nerves wander.
We're surrounded on almost all sides by at least a few people, yet they seem engrossed in their own business, rather than looking over others. When their eyes trail away from their partners and onto others, it doesn't stick for long. Not even us. They might look, but they don't look.
"No." I answer, lips pursing into a line. "Why aren't they?"
"Because we're a part of the crowd now, of course. For as notable as we may be alone, now that we're amongst others, what are we at first glance? Just partygoers. I look like a pretty keidran, and you, well…" It trails off, an amused glint in its eyes. "How many people here do you think know what a basitin looks like, how many do you think care? You'd just look like a keidran to them, nothing more."
My fur bristles at the thought, to be thought the same as them. I swallow the rising anger, stow away the pride.
"I suppose." I say instead, taking a gulp of the wine. The taste distracts me at least. "What's the other reason, then?"
"Look over to the other table, against the wall, a bit behind you." Another head motion, of which I follow. At that table stands two, a wolf, and a human woman.
A tall, broad shouldered brown wolf, with both hair and eyes a deeper shade of brown. It wears a black suit with the cuff of it red lined with gold, matched by the collar. A grey ruff looks tucked into its shirt.
A comparatively short and slender human lady, though still tall in her own right, with wavy brown hair and eyes as red as amber. She wears a red strapless dress that clings around the side of her chest and droops to her ankles. The two chat to one another, seemingly amicable.
"That lady right there is Saria herself, speaking to a wolf of all things." There's a disgusted look on the foxes face, barely hidden by the glass in its hand.
"Don't get along well with wolves?" I ask. It surprises me to see such a look on its face, especially to another keidran. How odd.
"Not in the slightest, they're not to be trusted." It grumbles with a sneer, eyes narrowing. It's ears twitch, eyes darting from one thing to another. "Someone's coming over to us, just my luck. Let me talk, keep an eye on Saria, do nothing rash."
Visible displeasure slips from its face like water, replaced by a polite smile. I turn to face where it looks.
A human approaches, a plain face and head full of blonde that ends around his neck, eyes a deep brown. He wears a black shirt and pants, both of simple design, and an equally polite smile on his face. The way he walks looks both odd and familiar, as if attempting to mimic the poise of nobility while lacking its grace. It's close, just too stiff.
"Greetings! I've yet to see you two wandering about, have you just arrived?" He asks with a rather jovial tone, eyes flicking between the two of us.
"Quite right, sir. I do hope we're not too late to the party." The fox answers, brushing up to my side. It bumps its arm into mine, fingers tapping against my hand.
I give the man a nod and an affirmative hum. Best to let the fox speak.
"Not at all! Lady Nora's yet to appear, I've no doubt it'll be soon. I thought to give you some welcome." If he finds something off about us, he doesn't show it, though the smile on his face seems a tad pleased.
"An honour we'll gladly accept." The Partner says, raising its glass. When it refilled the cup, I'm not sure.
"An honour, she says! Just an attempt to be pleasant, miss, nothing more." The man retorts with a chuckle, raising his own half emptied glass.
With those two chatting away, I keep an eye on that Saria lady, as the Partner suggested.
She doesn't seem like an unpleasant lady to talk to, from what I've seen and heard of her. She speaks with the keidran with such ease and willingness, I'd suspect it to be for show or personal want, were I not aware of what else she's done for their kind.
A heart of gold, so easily stolen. I wonder when they'll take it from her.
I also wonder why the Partner loathes wolves so. To think I'd see a keidran hate another keidran based on what they are, quite a novel experience. Amusing, too.
"Before I forget, I'd like to welcome you too, sir." The man's voice brings me from my thoughts, shifting from the woman to him. His head tilts forward briefly, as a sort of bow. A strange gesture, considering. "Apologies, I meant no offence."
"None was taken. I'm not typically one for idle chatter." I say, taking a sip of wine. I pray that his attention turns back to the fox.
"Ah, a man of action, then?" He asks as he raises his head. There's a sort of shine in his eye, a glint of something. Ah, I've caught his attention then. Dammit.
"I suppose so. It speaks clearer than words."
"Hm! Definitely spoken like one." He chuckles. I feel his eyes looking up and down my body. "You've some sort of combat training, don't you? A guard of sorts, a warrior?"
I blink. His oddly stiff movements make a lot more sense, if he marched much like I did once.
"Yes, the latter. I assume that you're the former?
"Mhm. Once upon a time, I used to work for the king's guard, though that was very long ago." He confirms, a finger tapping against his chin. "I've not met a keidran with such training before, I'm quite surprised!"
"I'm a basitin, not a keidran." My eye twitches. The Fox was right, ich. "Training is mandatory where I'm from."
"I see, is there a difference between the two?" He asks it like an honest question, though it still bristles my fur regardless.
"Only culturally, physically and mentally." My answer comes out deadpan. Judging from his short bark of laughter, he seems to enjoy the answer.
"Hah, it's been long since I've last heard such dry wit." He says, a smile on his face and amusement in his eyes. "Most here don't share such humour."
"Unsurprising, those of a higher class would find it beneath them."
"That they do, that they do." The smile on his face falls as he sighs. "Alas, I must be off, I prefer to move myself over being dragged about. It was a pleasure meeting you two, perhaps we'll meet again some day."
"Should we be fortunate enough." Chirps the fox. I had forgotten it was beside me.
"I wouldn't be against it." I say with a nod. That it feels honest to say so surprises me, even with what little I've shared with him.
The smile returns as he bows towards the fox, of which curtsies in turn. He raises his spare hand towards me, fingers outstretched.
I clasp his hand with my own, giving him a firm shake.
He doesn't return the firmness of the gesture, his fingers only lightly pressing into my hand.
"I'd match you, were I able." There's a melancholic tone in his voice, his shake soft in comparison.
A weak grip and little more, despite his attempts otherwise.
"That you would is an honour." With that, and the unclasping of our hands, the man slips away, dark outfit mixing in with the swarm of colours.
"I'm surprised that went so well."
"I'm surprised you held something close to a conversation with someone."
"You and me both." I sigh, tipping back and downing the rest of my wine. No doubt I'll need more to get through the night. "What a load of good you were, what happened to taking the attention?"
"I did! For most of it anyways. It's not as if he spoke to us for long. Besides!" The fox giggles, nudging into my arm. "You held out just fine, didn't you? Your Mistress would be so proud."
"Tch." I bite back my words and turn away, ignoring the animal's laughter to refill my cup instead.
It tastes better the second time around.
"Did you get that man's name?"
"Nupe, he didn't mention it and I didn't ask.."
"Mn, fair, but a shame. Maybe we'll run into him again."
"Hoping for it?"
"I wouldn't go that far."
"As you say- ah, it's starting, look at the stage."
I turn and do so. A strange man stands on stage, one clad in blue robes. Brown hair falls over half his face, a half lidded eye lazily scanning the audience. He looks rather plain, save for a single arm of his wrapped in bandages.
He looks like the epitome of normal, yet that alone is suspicious enough to note.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The unassuming man begins, calling the attention of all. The murmuring of the crowd stops immediately. "Esteemed guests and and honoured dignitaries, welcome to this prestigious event, the forty-ninth quadrennial Dragon Masquerade!"
There're cheers and clapping among the crowd, though it's kept quiet and polite.
"It is my great privilege to present your hostess! Her royal ladyship!" The strange man bows slightly, arms gesturing towards the curtain. "The powerful, illustrious, elder dragoness…"
He trails off, a single paw steps forth from underneath the curtain. Scaled and with claws as sharp as daggers.
"Lady Nora!" As he finishes, wings spread forth from the curtain and shoves it aside, the stage creaking underneath it as it steps forward.
A dragon, large enough to dwarf even the tallest man stands above, the sleek white scales that cover her body shimmering in the firelight. Her wings lazily spread outwards, though it droops along the middle, lingering before curling into her sides.
There's a heavy weight in the air, something that presses on my mind and chest. Though my thoughts still feel clear, her pure presence feels as if it's pushing, prodding.
What a terrible feeling. But there's a mission to do.
Nora's looming presence over the audience and air continues, yellow slitted eyes glowing while they cheer. There's a somewhat bored, but examining look in its eyes.
Until it locks onto something, the look of boredom turning to one of surprise. An amused smile creeps onto her face.
I quickly look among the audience, to see what's caught the dragon's attention, only for a wolf to catch my eye. The very same that stands beside Saria.
The look of utter fear lays as plain as day on its face, the amicable and awkward demeanour long gone. It looks rooted to the spot, though its body shakes, eyes dilated to pinpricks.
How intriguing. Part of me wishes to look back to Nora, or to check on the fox, yet something about it all forces my sight onto the wolf instead.
Its eyes widen, and a wave of blue washes over its body.
One moment stands a wolf, and the next, a mask drops onto the floor where it once was. Mostly black, though a fluttering of red flares along the edges of it, as well as its eyes.
I blink.
…hm. That's both important to note and worrying. Ought to let the Partner know. I turn to face the fox, only to see its muzzle buried in a glass of wine.
As terrified as the wolf. Wonderful.
"Fox." I give a harsh whisper that goes unheard. Its eyes remain glued to the stage. Tch, now's not the time! I reach out and squeeze its shoulder. "Fox!"
A louder call and touch seems to bring it out of its thoughts, blinking and taking its muzzle out of the cup.
"Wha-?"
"The wolf turned into a mask." It feels odd to report to the animal, but a mission's a mission.
"What!?"
"The one with Saria." The fox's head jerks to look.
"The black and red one? The one she's carrying?"
Huh, notice that, did she? I wonder if she knows that it's the keidran or not. Not likely.
"That's the one."
"Haaah, wonderful, she's already dolled out some sort of punishment, she probably thinks it amusing too." Its voice warbles and shakes, letting out a shuddering breath. It cradles the glass in two hands. "We're next if she sees us. Gods, we're so fucked."
Its chest heaves with laboured breaths, hands shaking and sight downcast. It's going to put us in danger, what am I meant to do? Soothing words aren't my forte.
To hell with it, better something than nothing, before we're noticed.
"Listen, fox. Look at me." I begin, squeezing it's shoulder. It looks to me, eyes erratic and unfocused. "We're going to get through this, understand?"
"But Nora-"
"Has done nothing to us yet. And she won't, so long as we don't give reason." I continue, speaking slowly and surely. "I want you to breathe, deep and slow. Don't think, just breathe."
It takes a moment for the fox to do so, but it does it eventually. Although slight, the shaking in its hands lessens. A good start.
"Good, keep doing that."
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Another call from the man on stage. Dammit, I was busy. I turn to look at the stage. The fox will have to handle itself for now. "Once again, I ask for your attention to present…"
He trails off, bandaged arm gesturing to a hallway offside the stage.
"The Dragon Facade and Bearer!"
A brown wolf walks out of it, wearing a deep purple dress that flows with its steps. A purple mask obscures its visage, fashioned into the shape of a dragon with a blue gemstone stuck to its forehead.
"That's not Rose." The Fox whispers behind me, its voice far less shaky. Good, an improvement. "She's meant to be wearing the Facade."
"Who's this then?"
"No clue."
I frown. My Lady only said to observe, and that's all I shall do, even if my instincts screech at me. I don't trust it.
I go to look over to Saria, only to see the lady marching up towards the wolf. Whatever conversation they have is muted underneath the crowd's curious whispering. Irksome gnats.
"I think we should do something." Says the fox. The wolf finally takes off its mask. It shares a similar shape as the one speaking to Saria, though it's brown in one eye and grey in another.
A pair of siblings, I assume. They seem similar enough.
"I don't disagree, but we are to observe." I respond. Even so, my nerves twitch underneath my fur. But we can't interfere with it.
The wolf moves to give the mask to Saria, only for its body to cringe, pulling away and holding a hand to its head and teeth bared. Whatever's happening to it doesn't stop it from handing the mask to Saria, who hands the wolf mask over in turn.
It doesn't stay any longer, moving past Saria and shuffling off as quick as it's dress allows itself. It looks to be resolved, whatever that may be, yet suspicion remains.
Hm.
"Fox, want to shadow the wolves? I'll look after Saria." I offer, narrowing my eyes at the retreating keidran. We're not interfering, just gaining information.
"And get away from Nora? Gladly! Here, hold my drink." The fox sounds all too happy to do so, brushing past me and pushing the glass into my hands.
"Wait!" I fumble with the glass before holding it to my chest. No liquid spills from it, on account of it being empty. Bloody fox, I'd take its head if my suit was ruined.
I sigh and look around the room. All seems to be in a slight amount of disarray, confused and worried about the event. The stage man continues to speak, to allay their concerns. I imagine he's doing a fine job, everyone seems rather calm, all things considered.
Very few actually attempt to approach Saria, I assume to chat from their moving mouths, though I can't hear their words. The woman looks concerned, though she tries to put up a brave face. The blue-haired man from before lingers the longest. Whatever he says seems to get some reaction out of her, embarrassment and something else. But even he leaves eventually, as unhurried as it looks.
I frown. Should I also attempt to strike up a conversation with her? We're not to interfere, but we may join in on activities. Would this count as the latter or the former? Would I be the strange one for not doing so?
Accursed social situations, it'll be the end of me. I make my way over to her, shuffling past partygoers that wander about.
"Excuse me, miss?"
"Ah?" The lady turns around to face me, her face flushed and a hand to her chest. "Y-yes?"
"Are you alright? You seem quite bothered."
"I'm alright, thank you for asking." She answers, body as stiff as her voice.
"Truly?" I question, raising an eyebrow. She remains stiff for a few seconds longer before dropping the act.
"No, I suppose not, but there's not much I can do." She says with a sigh, hands clutching the mask. The blue crystal hums, if it's in response to her, I don't know. "Ah, I was so excited for this night too."
"I assume that wolf wasn't who you expected?" I ask. I know it isn't, but I'm not meant to know that.
"No, Rose was meant to be here, but…" She trails off, eyes downcast. "Gods, I hope she's okay, I feel useless here."
I hum. Comforting someone isn't in my particular pool of talents. Yet, I feel compelled to try.
"I'm sure Rose will be okay." I begin, taking very special care to watch my words. Don't want to slip. "The night is still young, there's plenty of time for things to change. Would Lady Nora allow the masquerade to go poorly?"
Her face puffs up at the mention of her. Dislike, perhaps. Interesting.
"I suppose not, unless she finds it amusing." She's silent for a moment before shaking her head, a polite smile on her face. "Apologies, I haven't introduced myself have I? Saria Au Gruhen, a pleasure to meet you."
"My name is Knight. I'd shake your hand if mine were free." I don't trust anyone here to not taint the cup, if for the foxes' benefit rather than mine.
"Knight? That sounds more like a title than a name." She says, smile dipping into a frown.
"It's the name I was given. I discarded my old one long ago." Faint recollection brushes against my mind. I squash it without a second thought.
Into the depths it goes. It has no place here.
"I see." She finally says. Her frown only deepens and eyes narrow, she didn't like that answer. "You aren't a keidran, are you?"
"I'm a basitin." My ear flickers. It's quite irksome being asked, but at least she didn't assume.
"Oh! I've heard of them, but I've never seen one personally." A curious look replaces the disapproving one. I should've expected as much. "Are there many around?"
"I'm the only one here, I believe. We're quite the recluse sort." I say. Not entirely a lie, though there's a few more within the Templars' clutches. I pity them. "I'm surprised you know of us. Humans assume that I'm a keidran far more often than not."
"I'm well read, that's all." She pauses for a moment before smiling. "That being said, though this is meant for humans and keidran, I'd like to extend that to basitins too. I believe we can all work together to make a better world."
Empty platitudes of solidarity. Whether it be basitin or human, or keidran should I lower myself to understand them, I've heard this plenty before. Yet, she speaks with such passion and earnestness, I almost believe her words.
Perhaps she believes what she says, but how many others would do the same? What a hopeless optimist.
"You're quite the peculiar lady, aren't you?" I say instead, mostly as a diversion.
"Is it really that strange to wish for peace?"
"Personally, yes. It makes you remarkable."
"Remarkable? Me?" She says with a giggle, an amused glint in her eye. "I wouldn't go that far."
She truly thinks herself unremarkable, and yet my Lady's spent such a long time fussing over her. She wouldn't give so much care to a regular person, thus she must be important. Even if she doesn't know.
"I step out for a moment and I find you talking to other women, tsk tsk." A teasing voice from behind, a hand slipping into mine to take a glass. "Thanks for holding my things, dear."
I raise an eyebrow as the fox moves to stand beside me, a smirk on it's face.
"Good to have you back. Did things go well?"
"Mhm, everything's just fine. Few others seem to have left early, but nothing notable." It gives me a wink before leaning over to the fountain. Sounds like those wolves really did just leave. Makes things simple at least. "I do hope my companion wasn't too much of a hassle, Miss."
"Not at all! He was quite the gentleman, truly." She says with a beaming smile. I wince at the compliment, gods, it's going to be insufferable now.
"He was, hm? Good to note." The Partner's eye flicks over to me for a moment before returning to Saria, glass raised to its lips.
As Saria opens her mouth to speak, a haze settles into my mind. Heavy weight that pushes against me.
"Sorry to interrupt your little chat, but the guards found the Bearer."
"Rose! Is she okay?" Saria asks, her look and voice a mix of excitement and worry.
"She's perfectly fine now, just a tad tired." It- No, Nora speaks, with a throaty and rumbling chuckle. "Would you be a dear and bring her mask along? I'll guide you to her."
"Okay! Thank you for keeping me company, I hope you enjoy the masquerade." With a hurried voice and curtsy, she turns away and rushes off into the hallway, the one which the wolf came from.
Though she disappears out of sight, the weight on my mind remains.
"How interesting, you both seem so plain, yet I can't help but think something's amiss." The Dragon continues, another rumbling chuckle echoing in my skull. "I wonder why the air around you intrigues me so."
I take another gulp of wine. I wish it was stronger.
"I wonder much the same, I don't believe myself too notable." I say casually. Panicking would do us no good here. I look around towards the stage, hoping to find the dragon.
She lays atop the stage, front legs laid over one another and wings tucked into her sides. Her eyes bore into my own as she gives a toothy grin, holding up a clawed hand to wave. If anyone notices it, they don't seem to be too curious about why.
"You're so relaxed too, given who's speaking to you. Now that's quite a surprise." I hear her sigh in my head, her chest deflating. "Unlike your companion."
I take a peek at the fox. Its body's gone stiff once more, claws drawn and clutching its glass. As scared as it was before. I expected as much.
"Her mind feels so scattered, so frantic! As amusing as it is, it doesn't feel quite fulfilling to go through."
"Do you make it a habit to invade people's minds?"
"Only if they catch my eye, which doesn't happen as often as I wish. Even so, that I'm left wanting happens more often than not." The dragons silent for a moment, I feel a soft prodding against my head. "I wonder, would you be much the same?"
I lack the ability to stop her if she wishes. I imagine that attempting to deflect her would only garner more interest.
So I'll let her have it.
"Do it then. Sate your curiosity."
"Oh? It's rare that someone allows me into their mind. What an irreverent, brazen man you are." She gives an amused giggle, the prodding lessening in its intensity.
"I have nothing to hide." I say with a shrug, chugging down the rest of my drink. If this was stronger, perhaps it'd dull my mind enough to muddle her attempts. "Check my thoughts if you wish, just don't complain to me if you're disappointed."
"Well, who am I to deny such an offering?" That gentle prodding comes back in full force, digging, wrapping and scraping against the insides of my skull.
I wince. Calling this uncomfortable would be an understatement.
It washes over my mind, like a tongue over the brain.
My jaw clenches, teeth grinding against each other.
"Hm, does so little go on in your mind? You mortals are usually so much more active up here." She muses, a pulse of something echoing in my head. "You certainly aren't hiding or suppressing your thoughts."
"I'm a very focused man." I say through gritted teeth.
"Focused, and dull. What a shame. I could force myself deeper, but where's the fun in that?" With her words, the feeling finally recedes from my mind, though it still lingers at the edge of my mind. Relief floods my veins, letting out a thankful breath of air and unclenching my jaw. Finally. "Despite that, my curiosity has been 'sated', as you allowed me."
"I did warn you."
"That you did. I suppose I shouldn't complain too much, I've had my share of fun tonight." The dragon chuckles. It feels wrong, malicious. I wonder what she's done. "I shall retreat from your mind for now, then. May your night be interesting."
With her words and her eyes detaching from mine, the weight over my mind finally recedes.
I turn my glass upwards and chug the rest of my drink.
I need something stronger to get through this night. I can feel it in my bones.
"I c-cant believe it." The Fox finally speaks up with a fragile laugh, after who knows how long of silence. "You bored Lady Nora into leaving."
"I did say that I would handle it." I turn to face the keidran. There's a strange look on its face, a cross between astonishment and exhaustion.
"You did, haaah." It says, a mix between laughter and a sigh of relief coming from its throat. It leans on the table with a shaking arm, spare hand pressed against a breast. "Gods, I feel like my heart's going to beat out of my chest."
"Try to keep it in, we still have a mission to do." I stand beside it, running my cup underneath the fountain to fill it. "Hopefully that's the hard part dealt with, for now at least."
Who's to say that we wont pique her interest later? Someone as bored and powerful as she could do so many things on a whim. I wonder why she was interested anyways, what about our 'air' could have caught her attention so?
Lingering magic from my Lady, plain poor fortune, something else entirely? She mentioned little else.
I frown, drinking down another gulp. How worrisome, I'll have to talk to my Lady about it later.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" The man atop the stage calls out once more, standing besides Nora. "My deepest apologies for the delay, something seems to have gone awry. All seems to be alright as of now, with assistance from our lovely hostess."
Nora lets out a snort of laughter, a smug smile on her muzzle.
"I ask for your attention once more, hopefully for the last time." He winks, and a short wave of laughter washes among the crowd. "Now presenting The Dragon's Facade, and its true bearer!"
Out of the hallway steps another wolf, one with fur as white as snow, and a head full of red hair, with the exception of a single strand of white. The dragon mask sits upon its face, wearing a purple dress similar to the one before, though less frilly. Walking alongside the wolf, however, is Saria. With her arms looped along with the wolf, and a beaming smile on its face.
Despite being the one that's masked, the wolf looks rather shy in comparison. It's gait hesitant, though doing its best to keep up with Saria.
"Ah, doesn't surprise me she'd walk out with her. Aren't they adorable?" I hear the wolf beside me say with a giggle. I shrug in response, taking another sip of wine.
"Now, let the masquerade begin!" So cheers the man, as does the audience before him, glasses raised to the air.
I blink.
I forgot that this was all just a preamble to the actual masquerade. Which means there's still the rest of the night to go through.
I throw my head back and swallow a mouthful, followed by another.
Dammit. I hate this place.
…
"Apologies, Miss, but my companion here is a one lady type of man."
"Ah, truly?" She tilts her head, surprised, before shaking it. "Bah, that's a shame. Do come find me, should you change your mind~."
She winks, visible underneath her mask, before turning and walking away, a sway in her hips.
"Thank you." I say, letting my breath free.
"Just honouring our deal. How do you have more issues talking with a woman than a dragon?"
"The dragon wasn't trying to get in my pants." I hide my grimace behind a cup. "Why are people so eager?"
"I told you, you are exotic to them, couple that with our identity being hidden and it lets people feel a bit more free."
"These masks don't hide that much." I run a hand over it. It sits on my muzzle well, and the eye holes don't hamper my vision much. I imagine I look odd, given the rabbit ears.
"You'd be surprised what even a little anonymity can do." It giggles, swaying a little from side to side. "The alcohol helps too!"
They did cart out some of the stronger stuff just after the first round of dances. Doesn't compare to what I've seen firsthand. Not even close.
"I suppose." I say with a shrug. At least it tastes good, and sits in my stomach well enough. "I don't like standing around here. What's the plan?"
"Standing around is the plan. Just have to last until the end of the night." It answers with a lazy wave. I frown. It doesn't seem right to do nothing. "If you're so uncomfortable with that, then find another to dance with. I'd like a small break. Your competency surprised me! Stiff, but very competent."
"I'll pass." I'll ignore the backhanded compliment too.
The dance itself wasn't awful I suppose. It felt like my old marches, just worthless. Idle chatter helped smooth over the rougher edges. Hardly memorable, but that within itself is encouraging.
"Aw, does no one catch your eye?" There's a mischievous twinkle in its eyes, matched by its smile. "Not even Saria?"
"Saria?" I frown. I hadn't given her too much thought since we first met. Perhaps the fox is more addled than it appears
"Mhm! She's a nice lady, isn't she?"
"I suppose so." I admit. Needless kindness is a fault, however, one she falls into relentlessly.
"Would you dance with her?" It pushes, both verbally and physically, smile only widening.
I pull away. I've had enough close contact with it for now.
Still, dancing with her?
"The thought doesn't disgust me."
"Ugh, what a charming man you are." It says with a roll of its eyes. "But at least it's something. Hey Saria!"
The fox looks behind me, free hand waving erratically. I now realise why it was pushing so hard.
Accursed, bastard fox!
I hide both curses and scowl as I turn around. Saria approaches with a smile on her flushed face, her waving hand far more polite than the foxes. That wolf walks beside her, face still hidden underneath the mask.
It'd be clinging to her, were it any closer. How interesting.
"Hello again! Rose, these are the two I was talking about before." Saria speaks, arm slinking around the wolf- Roses shoulder, pulling it closer. "That there is Knight, and she is, ah, I don't believe I caught your name, actually."
"Nupe! I'm the Partner, nice to meet you two." The fox moves to stand beside me, a pep in its step. It waves a hand before speaking. "Yes yes, same type of naming convention as Knight here, don't worry about it too much. Nice to meet you proper, Rose."
"Hello." I say simply, giving a nod of the head. Not much else to say.
"A-ah, hi." It squeaks more than anything, raising a hand to wave timidly. Its eyes flicker from the fox and onto me, staring.
I stare back and frown. What? Does it have an issue with me?
"Don't worry about this one too much, he's way too serious." The fox comments with a roll of its eyes, pushing a fist into my elbow. It doesn't irk me too much, surprisingly. The alcohol must've eked its way into me, weak as it is.
"I prefer the term 'focused', Partner." I say. Another swig of drink goes down my throat. "I'm glad to see that you're well, Rose. Saria was quite worried about you."
That certainly seems to distract its thoughts, head tilting to the side and ear flickering.
"I'm sorry about that."
"It's not your fault Rosey!" Whatever apology the wolf dies in its throat when Saria pulls her close, pressing cheek to cheek. "It's all alright now, that's what matters.
Rose somehow looks flustered despite being masked, eyes looking away from her. The fox coos beside me, a soft giggle coming from it.
"I am here for a reason, though." Saria says after a few moments longer, pulling away from the wolf. "Knight, would you be alright if we have a small chat? Unless either of you mind, that is."
I quirk an eyebrow upwards. A chat, hm? Not quite what I expected. Rose doesn't seem surprised though, judging from its body. It likely knew beforehand.
"I don't mind in the slightest! Take him before he gets restless." It looks to me, the glint in its eyes returning and a toothy grin from ear to ear. "Maybe you two could have a dance, hm?"
My eye twitches. Irksome thing.
"Hah, maybe another time." Saria says before I can reply. That she didn't reject the thought immediately surprises me.
"Aw, fine then. Come sit with me a bit, Rose, I don't bite."
"Don't I get a say in this?"
"Nope." The fox's retort and giggling is my immediate answer. I feel a gentle push against my back. "Off you go Knight, mush!"
I let out a hissing sigh as I'm shoved forward, smothering the curses that linger at the tip of my tongue.
"Fine, fine." I say with a sigh. Not the first time I've had to resign myself to something like this. At least the company itself isn't too horrid. "Lead the way, Saria."
She takes me by the hand and guides me away, past other partygoers and along the side of the room. We move up the stairs and onto the second floor, the lady turning her head back every so often. The look in her eyes unnerves me, though I can't place why.
I frown, keeping my fists to my side and the woman in front of me. Best to err on the side of caution then.
We continue on until we reach the balcony, the one above the main entrance. The cool night air is a stark contrast from inside, with so many bodies so close together. There's no one else here for the moment, though I imagine that there's still guards at the entrance itself.
"Alright, this is as private as we'll get on short notice." Saria says, turning around to face me. The look on her face is one of relief.
"Is there a reason we need privacy?" I ask the woman. I try to keep my voice level even as my heart quickens. What's her plan here?
"I want to talk to you." She continues, looking around for a final time before leaning in closer. I don't pull away, despite my gut screaming for me to. "You have an owner, don't you?"
I blink. Not quite the question I expected.
"Yes." I answer without hesitation.
"I can set you free."
"What?!" I pull away from her, a flurried mix of confusion and disgust brewing in my chest. She hushes me, a finger to her lips and a pleading look in her eye.
"I can!" Or, I'll try at least."
"Saria-"
"You deserve to be free too, Knight." If she hears me, she doesn't show it, continuing on with a resolute voice.
"Saria." I say, struggling to keep my voice level.
"If I can meet with her, I'll do what I can to-" She's hearing none of it, and I've heard enough. I lunge forth, grabbing her by her shoulders.
"Saria." My voice comes out a venomous hiss, hands squeezing her shoulders. I keep from squeezing too hard, no matter the boiling hatred in my chest.. "I… appreciate the thought, but I'll never accept it."
The words burn both heart and throat, but I choke it out in the end. Her eyes look tinged with fear and confusion both, head pulling away from mine.
"Wha- you don't want to be free?"
"She is my freedom, she's the reason I-" I force myself to stop, clicking my tongue and driving it into a cheek. How much information would I have divulged there if I didn't? Tch, how aggravating. "Without her, I wouldn't be here."
Were it not for her random kind act, on little more than a whim, I'd end up with a fate worse than death.
I pull myself away from her, hands balling into fists. It does little to calm my emotions, but it's better than nothing.
"Why does my freedom matter to you anyway? We're strangers, nothing more."
"Because no one should be in chains, no one should be reduced to, to less than any other!" Her flushed face contorts into one of distaste, lips into a deep frown. "And that goes for you too, strangers or not!"
Red eyes gleam with determination, one that her tone matches. Despite all my reservations about the woman and her ideals, she does at least sound like she believes what she says. Perhaps more so than before.
I think it's foolish, even now. But she seems to believe it. That, at least, earns some respect from me.
"Saria." I begin, running a hand through my hair. This talk lasted a few minutes at most, yet it's exhausting. "Even so, I won't accept it."
"Then keep it in mind, if nothing else. I want to help you, to help all of you." Her voice sounds pleading, lips pressed into a thin line.
Rash, stubborn lady. Why are the people here so difficult?
"Fine, fine. I'll do that and nothing more." I'll say anything so long as the topic's dropped.
"Thank you, that's all I ask of you." My answer seems to sedate her for now, her expression relaxing. "Your Mistress is rather important to you, isn't she?"
"More than anything else in the world." I turn away from her and walk back towards the door. "Let's get back to the ball. I don't want Rose to worry about you too much."
Or let the Partner get too many ideas, who knows what it's imagined already. I follow Saria as she strides past me, keeping just out of arm's reach.
I curse in my mind, wishing so desperately that I could strangle myself. It was a foolish decision to follow her, and even more so to remain. Why did I allow the conversation to continue? I could have left, I could have lashed out so much harder, yet I did neither.
Is it because the thought hurts my heart? Why, because she showed such a miniscule amount of kindness in our few moments?
Pathetic, completely and utterly pathetic.
I say nothing as we retrace our steps from the balcony to the stairs, moving alongside the ballroom that seems to be reignited once more, arriving before the keidran.
They, at least, seem amicable with one another.
"Hey there you two! Have a nice little chat?" The Fox notices us first, head tilting forth lazily along with a glass. Her eyes shift from Saria to me, wincing. "Ah, not too well I assume?"
"It's fine! Honest, just a small misunderstanding is all." She answers with a cough. Quite the courteous answer.
"Mhm, sounds about right, talking to Knighty here feels like yanking teeth sometimes." It says with a giggle, swaying on its feet.
My eye twitches. Knighty?
"Anyways! I've had a loooovely chat with Rose here, she's such a sweetheart." The Fox continues, nestling up next to the wolf, cheek to mask. Rose seems to be flustered by it, given its panicked movements and stammering. How intriguing. "I was hoping we could have a little talk too, if ya don't mind."
"Not at all, we could-"
"Wonderful!" With a smile and a cheer, the fox drops its cup onto the table, reaching forward and grabbing Saria by her hands. "Let's dance!"
"W-wait!" Whatever she wishes to say goes unheard, the fox tugging and dragging her towards the dancing area.
I sigh, rubbing at my temple. The mask dulls the effectiveness.
"She's quite the handful, huh?" Comments Rose, an awkward sounding laugh following soon after.
"Mhm. My apologies about its attitude." I walk beside it, grabbing my cup to refill it. Alcohol will save the day, surely.
"It's alright, she's just, ah…" It trails off.
A bastard, irksome, an active detriment?
"Free spirited, I think that works here."
"Sure." I say with a shrug. Not how I would describe it.
We're quiet for a while, the music the only sound between us. Saria and the Fox have long since merged with the crowd, though I do see a peep of either of them occasionally.
I hear it shuffle beside me.
I take another sip of the drink before sighing.
"Discussion isn't my strong suit. I've done nothing to your mistress, if that's what's troubling your mind." I finally break the relative silence between us, looking at it out of the corner of my eye.
"A-ah, I wasn't thinking about that!" It hastily rebuffs, a hand waving defensively. It calms after a moment, rubbing down its dress. "I'm just not sure what I'm meant to do. This is my first time doing this, and Lady Nora didn't give me instructions."
"She chose you for this, didn't she? Any reason why?" I ask with a hum. One would think she'd give some advice, given the effort put into this and that this is in her name.
"She did, but I'm not sure why."
"Perhaps she found it amusing."
"Maybe." It seems somewhat plausible, given her attitude. I believe it to run deeper though, if not for something that Rose has, then perhaps it lies with Saria.
Speaking of her.
"Is Saria usually so rash?" I ask. Rose laughs, to my surprise, a soft giggle that's poorly muffled by a hand.
"If she wants to help someone? Absolutely." It answers, a delighted smile gracing its face.
"That explains a few things." I mumble into my glass. Rose giggles once again. I imagine they spoke to one another about it, given its lack of questioning. "How did you two meet each other, anyhow? It's rare to see a human and a keidran get along so well."
I know full well how they met, but it's best to play dumb for now. Wouldn't want to let slip information I shouldn't know, after all. It's silent for a while, hands wringing together.
"Don't speak of it if you don't want to." Pushing too far would only harm the mission, after all. It shakes its head after a moment longer.
"No, it's alright. Just thinking about how to say it is all." It says, leaning back onto the table. "She saved me, took me in and gave me a home. I don't want to say too much, but if it wasn't for her…"
It trails off, hand rubbing up its arms.
"You would've died?"
"Mhm, without a doubt. But here I am now, with her." Whatever worry troubles its mind seems to fall away, its body relaxing and a smile on its face once again. It looks rather easy going at the moment, much better than expected.
The tale sounds rather familiar to me. My heartbeat quickens, just for a moment
"Does she plan on setting you free?" It'd be strange not to, considering her offer for a stranger.
"Mhm, I don't doubt it. I imagine she's trying to muster up the coin for it or something." It speaks freely now, a short bark of laughter coming soon after. "Her face is gonna be funny when I decline it."
"You don't desire your freedom either?"
"Why would I want to be away from her? She gave food, shelter, safety, a second chance." It shakes its head. "No, I'll stay and help her as much as I can."
One at the end of their rope, given a second chance by another? One who gives their life to that other?
I can't help but laugh a little, a chuckle slipping past my lips.
A kindred spirit, one who would actually, truly understand. And it's a keidran. That outcome should've been obvious. I wonder if she cares as much as I, or if it'd blossom into such. I wish I could see.
"Is that funny to you?"
"Far from it, I think that's wonderful." I reach up and take the mask off of my face, finally letting it free. It feels wonderful to have the air brush against my fur. "That's something I'll always respect, Rose."
I give the wolf a smile, she earned that much at least. She looks confused for a moment before relaxing, a hand reaching up and removing her mask.
Red locks, finally unrestrained, messily falls over her muzzle, green eyes peering into mine. It's nice to put a face to a name.
"Maybe we could chat a little more, if our mistresses would allow it." She says with a smile. Perhaps she's realised it too, without me saying as much.
"I'd hope so."
I stand beside her, letting my body relax as we watch the crowd together as time and mind blurs.