Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"So Oi doesn't get you much longer..." He sighed. "Ah, well. We'll have to do this another time, won't we?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"In a few months I'll have plenty of free time." Wendy replied. "But we might have to do it back at the castle, 'cause I probably won't be able to go much of anywhere."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"'at's fair. For now... let's finish this ice cream."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Agreed." She replied with a smile.

---

Ivian hated parties; especially ones in his honor.

Baron Coltenne was celebrating an approved marriage and subsequent trade deal between his estate and Countess Nienne's. Ivian had skimped on the details because he frankly didn't care, as the two noble houses had worked out the fine print themselves. All he'd been needed for was giving his blessing on the marriage: something he'd really rather had done from his study, if that had been an option. Part of him wondered if he should change the law that required him to be there in person, but he doubted the clergy would go for it.

He was currently locked in a dull conversation with the Countess's son, whose older sister was to be married in a few weeks. The teen's name was Eustace, and he was essentially rattling off textbook examples of how to 'gain favor' of the higher-ups. Ivian suppressed a yawn and made a mental note to forget about this sorry excuse for a noble as soon as humanly possible.

Eustace was currently talking about livestock, for some reason. "I consider myself quite the accomplished equestrian, you see. So I--"

"I'm sorry." Ivian suddenly interrupted, holding up a hand. "But I just remembered another pressing meeting that I must return to my palace for."

"Ah! I'll escort you to your carriage, then."

Ivian sighed.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Nicolae returned to the counter with their dishes, then took Wendy's hand in his to walk her home. The weather was beginning to chill, the leaves changing fiery colors.

[Channelknight Fadran]

There was a foolish grin on her face as Wendy strode home; like right now was a little moment of perfection amidst of a sea of bad.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Nico tucked Wendy's hair behind her ear and leaned down to kiss her cheek. 

[Channelknight Fadran]

She bounced up on her toes and suppressed a happy squeak.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Oi loves ya, Wendy." He squeezed her hand. "Don't'cha forge' tha'."

[Channelknight Fadran]

Wendy blushed even harder.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

The two of them walked up to the castle hand-in-hand, letting the silence of the beautiful moment rule them. Nico had precious few moments like this, and so he held to it tightly, like a small child holding a blanket in a storm.

[Channelknight Fadran]

"May I walk you back to your room, Sir Kimby?" Wendy asked in an exaggeratedly deep voice.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Nico bowed low. “You may indeed, milady.”

[Channelknight Fadran]

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Uhh... so she does that, I guess?

 

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

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That works! Would Riva be notified of Nico's arrival?

 

Edited September 28, 2021 by Zephrun's Imperium

[Channelknight Fadran]

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Most likely

 

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

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Okay, we’ll have them run into ivian as they’re getting Nico, then 

“He’s back!” Said Riva. “Let’s go, Fischer.”

[Fallapede]

Once the guard had left, Jasper carefully opened the door and stepped out, heading towards the center of the castle. He hoped that he looked purposeful enough not to be interrupted.

[Channelknight Fadran]

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I don't want to write an excuse for Ivian bumping into Riva, so...

Ivian bumped into Riva.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

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Mood.

"Ah, Ivian!" Riva ran after High Highness. "I have need of your servant, Kimby!"

[Channelknight Fadran]

He jumped. "Rave--Thadel!"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Praetorium..." she grumbled. 

[Channelknight Fadran]

"You need..." Ivian blinked, then stood up straight and composed himself. "What need of yours requires my manservant?""

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"We're inviting him to dinner," she remarked, folding her arms to show her cleavage better. "May I borrow him for a night?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Very well. When will this be?"