Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva had a secret: She was absolutely no good when it came to combat of any kind. Quiet wars with potions and bribes? Oh, she did well, very well indeed with that sort of fight. But anything athletic - the art of assassination, hand to hand combat, sword fighting, or merely dodging a simple slice of pie - was out of her range. And so, both Biana's projectiles found their marks.

The Raveness gasped, utterly aghast. She'd been hit. Hit with... food! Her face twisted with disgust and she wiped a piece of splattered pie filling from her face with a long-nailed finger, seething. "You dare..." she began. She didn't finish the statement, instead going for a growl. The dragon of a woman marched in her heels towards the idiot who'd done this, holding up her skirt so that she could walk with longer strides, but in her tight hobble dress, walking at all was difficult. There was no way she could follow, especially out a window. But she could not let that woman escape without any consequence. "GUARDS!" she shouted. 

Quote

Okay, so, uh... Riva has been absolutely humiliated, so I'm curious if that changes any of the nobles' perception of her. And if Jassir will come to her aid. 

@I think I am here.

Edited February 11, 2021 by Shard of Thought

[Random Bystander she/her]

1 hour ago, Shard of Thought said:

Riva had a secret: She was absolutely no good when it came to combat of any kind. Quiet wars with potions and bribes? Oh, she did well, very well indeed with that sort of fight. But anything athletic - the art of assassination, hand to hand combat, sword fighting, or merely dodging a simple slice of pie - was out of her range. And so, both Biana's projectiles found their marks.

The Raveness gasped, utterly aghast. She'd been hit. Hit with... food! Her face twisted with disgust and she wiped a piece of splattered pie filling from her face with a long-nailed finger, seething. "You dare..." she began. She didn't finish the statement, instead going for a growl. The dragon of a woman marched in her heels towards the idiot who'd done this, holding up her skirt so that she could walk with longer strides, but in her tight hobble dress, walking at all was difficult. There was no way she could follow, especially out a window. But she could not let that woman escape without any consequence. "GUARDS!" she shouted. 

@I think I am here.

Wanting to avoid being part of the insanity that was happening, Seraphina pulled her book out of her bag and looked though the back part with all the Aons. She pretended nothing was happening as she ate a snack.

[Vapor she/her]

3 hours ago, Robin Custos said:

Biana realized that their was no way Arabella could get out with everyone looking at her.  She walked over to Arabella and kneeled on the ground.

“Darling are you okay” she then whispered  “that window behind you is open, slip behind the curtain and start climbing down with your dress ribbon. I made it extra long for this purpose.”

Biana then put her plan into action. She grabbed two pieces of of pie, the strawberry juice dripping onto her hands.

“It’s a shame this food must go to waste isn’t it darlings” everyone's questioning eyes turned to her, and she smirked. “I have an idea!” she said her face suddenly brightening. She then made eye contact with her next victim the Raveness. “Food Fight!” Biana screamed as she launched the pies at the Raveness, one hitting her face the other her chest. Biana knew that after that show she had a couple of seconds before someone came after her so she ran and jumped out the open window, rolling as she hit the ground. Biana could see Arabella up ahead of her, and sprinted back to Robin to again become a ghost in the forest. 

Arabella nodded and climbed out of the window as soon as everybody's eyes were off of her. She untied the ribbon and began to climb down, running into the forest as soon as she hit the ground.

[Condensation she/her]

Alienor cringed away as the Raveness - the Raveness! - got splattered by two pieces of pie.

[Robin Custos she/her]

Out of the corner of her eye Robin saw a man in a green cloak aim his arrow at the bounty hunter who was standing on a tree branch. A wave of relief washed over her. Wendy would live Robin told herself.

@The Unknown Order

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Quote

Hiya, all. I made a Discord server for this RP, so if there's anyone I haven't connected with on Discord, feel free to message me so you can join. I am Shard of Thought#8300

"Blimey!" Nicolae exclaimed. "Oooh, the Raven's not gonna be happy 'bout this, oh no. She's a dangerous witch, that one. I pity the fool who struck her. Bettin' those screams'll be heard all over the castle come the morrow." 
------
A handful of nervous guards scrambled over to the furious Raveness. "Follow her," Riva growled, face red with rage. "I want her hide."

The guards paled and a chorus of, "Yes 'am," followed. They began rushing to the window where the culprit had escaped. 

"You fools, QUICKLY!" 

[Condensation she/her]

"What now? This seems to have devolved into chaos."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden had returned to the halls of castle as quickly as he could, having just positioned an entire regiment to form a perimeter around the castle to catch anyone attempting to escape. He had selected about twenty of his soldiers instead of those pitiful castle guards to help him deal with these nobles, the last thing he needed was chaos in a ballroom where any number of assassins could be hiding. Besides, if he had to deal with these idiots, he might as well do it with overwhelming force on his side. Just as Caden nearly reached the ballroom, the captain of the castle guard ran up to the general holding a piece of paper. "Sir, I found it!"

Caden turned to the captain and snatched the paper, "Took you long enough, captain." He reviewed it quickly before pocketing it, "find all of the assassins and bring me a list of all of the ones you find. But first, order men to go through the servant's passages and kill anyone you find."

The captain looked slightly confused, "sir, don't you mean capture?"

Caden froze for a moment, he then slowly turned to the captain and stood up to his full height in order to tower over him. "Anyone caught in the passages is in direct violation of the lockdown, and they will be killed for their treachery, servant or not! I will take no chances captain, you find anyone, kill them!"

The captain nodded before saluting, "yes sir."

Caden studied the captain for a brief moment, glaring at him. "Then get moving boy! I will have this assassin dead!"

The captain spun around and rushed off with his men. Caden only took a deep breath in preparation for what foolishness would await him in the ballroom, and he whispered the code word to the guard at the door before having it swept open before him to see the ballroom. Caden stood in the doorway with his cape flaring behind him and the army-men at his shoulders.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva's small squad of guards awkwardly climbed through the window on Riva's orders, running into the night to follow the woman who had foolishly defaced the Raveness. They caught a glimpse of two figures - one significantly shorter than the other - running towards the forest. "Hey, you!" one of the guards called. A tall guard at the head of the group with a particularly long stride caught the smaller one by the arm, wrenching her back forcefully. 

@Robin Custos @Vapor

An indignant Raveness made her way to a lone noble at the edge of the room. "Your handkerchief, please," she said tightly. 

Maverick paled, awkwardly proffering a white piece of cloth. "Uh... O-of course, Lady Raven." 

Riva ripped the cloth from his hands and stormed off to clean herself up a bit. An ornate "D.O." was embroidered on the handkerchief. 

[Vapor she/her]

32 minutes ago, Shard of Thought said:

Riva's small squad of guards awkwardly climbed through the window on Riva's orders, running into the night to follow the woman who had foolishly defaced the Raveness. They caught a glimpse of two figures - one significantly shorter than the other - running towards the forest. "Hey, you!" one of the guards called. A tall guard at the head of the group with a particularly long stride caught the smaller one by the arm, wrenching her back forcefully. 

@Robin Custos @Vapor

An indignant Raveness made her way to a lone noble at the edge of the room. "Your handkerchief, please," she said tightly. 

Maverick paled, awkwardly proffering a white piece of cloth. "Uh... O-of course, Lady Raven." 

Riva ripped the cloth from his hands and stormed off to clean herself up a bit. An ornate "D.O." was embroidered on the handkerchief. 

Arabella took in a sharp intake of breath, turning back and looking up at the guard. "Robin!"

[Lecky Twig she/her]

Aelyon tapped her foot impatiently, she couldn't afford to dwardle right now, not when her object was the castle walls. She flipped up her black hood and got into the mindset that was hammered into her during her train. She became a blur of movement and fled down through corridors in search of an exit. 

When she saw the lights of other servants, or 'servants' if they were anything like her, she turned the corner. Prehaps they would see a black flicker of movement, perhaps she was overestimating their observation skills. 

She found and opened an inconspicuous hatch and breathed a sigh of relief when the crisp air of the night overpowered the musty corridor. Then Aelyon steeled herself; she became the shadow and fled into the night. 

 

Edited February 12, 2021 by Lecky Twig

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

1 hour ago, Vapor said:

Arabella took in a sharp intake of breath, turning back and looking up at the guard. "Robin!"

Quote

You mean Biana?  

The guard - a man named Arvis - haulled the young girl back. It didn't matter that the girl was a child. One didn't question the Raveness' orders. Plus, they could probably use the girl to get the real culprit. Arvis's colleagues passed him, running towards the other cloaked figure, but he knew there was a far easier way to do this. 

He hooked his arm around the girl's throat, producing a dagger. Though he had absolutely no intention of harming the girl - whatever the Raveness did would be traumatizing enough - the threat would likely not go ignored by the other figure. "I WILL harm her!" he shouted. "I suggest you come with me right now! By order of the Raveness!"

@Robin Custos 

[Vapor she/her]

Just now, Shard of Thought said:

The guard - a man named Arvis - haulled the young girl back. It didn't matter that the girl was a child. One didn't question the Raveness' orders. Plus, they could probably use the girl to get the real culprit. Arvis's colleagues passed him, running towards the other cloaked figure, but he knew there was a far easier way to do this. 

He hooked his arm around the girl's throat, producing a dagger. Though he had absolutely no intention of harming the girl - whatever the Raveness did would be traumatizing enough - the threat would likely not go ignored by the other figure. "I WILL harm her!" he shouted. "I suggest you come with me right now! By order of the Raveness!"

@Robin Custos 

Quote

Yeah sorry

Arabella's eyes widened and she gripped the man's arm, trying to pull it away, but being the weak eight year old that she was, couldn't budge it.

[Condensation she/her]

Quote

I mean... wouldn't it be reasonable for her to call out for Robin, just out of instinct?

 

[Channelknight Fadran]

1 minute ago, Vapor said:

Arabella's eyes widened and she gripped the man's arm, trying to pull it away, but being the weak eight year old that she was, couldn't budge it.

"Ara?" Wendy whispered from the bushes. She couldn't tell who was who in the darkness.

[Lecky Twig she/her]

Aelyon leant against a tree in the forest to catch her breath. She groaned softly as tall tales of monsters that lurked in the woods emerged in her mind, who knew who would be waiting in ambush around the next bend. The wood wasn't safe for young ladies like her, even her skill set would only get her so far if trouble struck. She meandered slowly down the overgrown path, she didn't really fancy the idea of returning home to her disgrace of a husband. She'd been planning on lurking around the castle all night, but that plan had gone south. She ventured deeper into the forest maybe I could find a cottage kind enough to take me in for the night she pondered wistfully. 

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Quote

Xino asked me to write this. I might take over Darrin, we're not sure.

Darrin cursed quietly. It appeared it was time to make his daring escape.

Stupid! he thought to himself. You had to take the harder shot, didn't you? Stars, why couldn't you have waited until the king was actually asleep! Or, hell, actually, I don't know, gone into the room so you couldn't possibly have missed?

But then, he couldn't have done that. That would have required patience and that wasn't really something that Darrin possessed. As a mercenary, his recklessly high risk tolerance often came in handy. In this instance, however... Well. He'd be lucky if he didn't end up in the Raveness's dungeons tonight. Thankfully, luck - unlike patience - was something he did seem to have.

Darrin leapt from the ledge he stood upon, cape flapping as he fell to a balcony below. It would probably be best to leave as quickly as possible; he certainly couldn't blend in, what with his bow and arrow, and guards would be pouring into every hall and every exit in the moments that followed. Think fast, think fast... Darrin thought, eyes scanning his surroundings for a spot he could jump to. 

It was then that he heard a woman scream. 

Another curse tumbled from his lips and he spun around to find a serving girl standing just outside the doors to the balcony. He had two options: Either silence the girl or escape faster. The former option wasn't very chivalrous though and she'd most likely drawn the attention of guards anyway. And so, throwing a kind smile the girl's way, he leapt once more, to a small window ledge. Now how to get all the way down...

[Fallapede]

12 hours ago, Shard of Thought said:

Darrin cursed quietly. It appeared it was time to make his daring escape.

Stupid! he thought to himself. You had to take the harder shot, didn't you? Stars, why couldn't you have waited until the king was actually asleep! Or, hell, actually, I don't know, gone into the room so you couldn't possibly have missed?

But then, he couldn't have done that. That would have required patience and that wasn't really something that Darrin possessed. As a mercenary, his recklessly high risk tolerance often came in handy. In this instance, however... Well. He'd be lucky if he didn't end up in the Raveness's dungeons tonight. Thankfully, luck - unlike patience - was something he did seem to have.

Darrin leapt from the ledge he stood upon, cape flapping as he fell to a balcony below. It would probably be best to leave as quickly as possible; he certainly couldn't blend in, what with his bow and arrow, and guards would be pouring into every hall and every exit in the moments that followed. Think fast, think fast... Darrin thought, eyes scanning his surroundings for a spot he could jump to. 

It was then that he heard a woman scream. 

Another curse tumbled from his lips and he spun around to find a serving girl standing just outside the doors to the balcony. He had two options: Either silence the girl or escape faster. The former option wasn't very chivalrous though and she'd most likely drawn the attention of guards anyway. And so, throwing a kind smile the girl's way, he leapt once more, to a small window ledge. Now how to get all the way down...

Jasper noted the burst of motion, tracking it down to a window. As they stopped momentarily, he drew, sighted and threw a knife in one fluid motion. He then leapt off the roof towards a lower ledge, trying to cut them off.

[Robin Custos she/her]

Robin heard Arabella's cry for help, but she couldn't leave until Wendy was safe, so she ignored it.
-----------
Biana turned toward the guard. She knew she wouldn't be able to fight them off all on her own and Robin most likely wasn't coming. Attempting to save Arabella would do her more harm than good. "You think I would risk my life for that child?" she said. It was... a half truth. She would risk her life. But going in to save her now was no risk; it was nothing short of suicide. Better one person captured than two. 

It was times like these Biana was grateful she was raised to not have a heart.

If Robin killed people, Biana would have faced the death penalty when she got back to the camp without Arabella. But Robin didn't kill people - at least, as far as Biana was aware; perhaps that would change when she found that one of her girls had been allowed to be captured - so the worst she'd probably get upon returning would be a harsh talking-to. Biana could live with that. She could live with a lot of things. Even letting Arabella be captured and maybe handed over to the Raveness. 

But one thing she couldn't live with was the pain of letting herself feel. She'd tried that. It didn't work.

"I have no idea who she is, darling, I just felt like throwing pie at the Raveness, and the darling child provided the perfect chance." Biana then smirked, the pain she had briefly felt was gone. "I know leaving the child is heartless, but I lost my heart long ago." Biana almost laughed as she recalled being told to twist truth into lies as a child. " You see darling, I'm all about enjoyment, and torture isn't fun, I'd rather take the guilty conscience and get out of here."

@Vapor

[Channelknight Fadran]

Wendy gritted her teeth as Arabella was pulled inside to be put at the mercy of the Raveness. She'd only heard the stories that Robin told her, but those stories were enough: perpetual screaming from the dungeons. No; she wouldn't leave Ara to suffer through that.

She looked at the dress Robin had given her: it was the only tool she had, aside from the small dagger she kept at her side. Fortunately, for now, it was the perfect resource.

Wendy unfurled it, grunting uneasily to herself at the neckline. She'd do it... for Ara. Right?

Right?

Ten minutes later she was wearing the dress, but kept her shirt on underneath. Dagger hidden beneath the folds of the dress, she stepped out onto the road and walked purposedly towards the castle.

[Vapor she/her]

20 minutes ago, Robin Custos said:

Robin heard Arabella's cry for help, but she couldn't leave until Wendy was safe, so she ignored it.
-----------
Biana turned toward the guard. She knew she wouldn't be able to fight them off all on her own and Robin most likely wasn't coming. Attempting to save Arabella would do her more harm than good. "You think I would risk my life for that child?" she said. It was... a half truth. She would risk her life. But going in to save her now was no risk; it was nothing short of suicide. Better one person captured than two. 

It was times like these Biana was grateful she was raised to not have a heart.

If Robin killed people, Biana would have faced the death penalty when she got back to the camp without Arabella. But Robin didn't kill people - at least, as far as Biana was aware; perhaps that would change when she found that one of her girls had been allowed to be captured - so the worst she'd probably get upon returning would be a harsh talking-to. Biana could live with that. She could live with a lot of things. Even letting Arabella be captured and maybe handed over to the Raveness. 

But one thing she couldn't live with was the pain of letting herself feel. She'd tried that. It didn't work.

"I have no idea who she is, darling, I just felt like throwing pie at the Raveness, and the darling child provided the perfect chance." Biana then smirked, the pain she had briefly felt was gone. "I know leaving the child is heartless, but I lost my heart long ago." Biana almost laughed as she recalled being told to twist truth into lies as a child. " You see darling, I'm all about enjoyment, and torture isn't fun, I'd rather take the guilty conscience and get out of here."

@Vapor

Arabella widened her eyes. 

Quote

I'm really sorry I'll elaborate on this more but I don't have time currently

 

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

3 minutes ago, Robin Custos said:

"You think I would risk my life for that child?"

"I have no idea who she is, darling, I just felt like throwing pie at the Raveness, and the darling child provided the perfect chance." Biana then smirked, the pain she had briefly felt was gone. "I know leaving the child is heartless, but I lost my heart long ago." Biana almost laughed as she recalled being told to twist truth into lies as a child. " You see darling, I'm all about enjoyment, and torture isn't fun, I'd rather take the guilty conscience and get out of here."

Arvis raised his eyebrows. "What...?" As the woman turned tail and ran into the forest, the guard stood dumbfounded. Welp, that didn't exactly go as planned. His colleagues, too, were rather confused. 

"Should... should we go after her, sir?" one of them asked. 

Arvis shrugged. "I... don't think it's worth it. We got one, that has to be enough for the Raveness."

"B-but... she could have our heads, sir. You've heard about old Vadim, ain't you? The stories... The Raveness messed him up good, she did."

"Of course we've heard the stories," said the third guard. "But Vadim was a spy, he was. We ain't done none of that, we're safe. Don't you think this youngun's enough?"

"It has to be..." said Arvis. He picked up the girl, swinging her over his shoulder. "Let's go back."

@Vapor
-------
Riva wanted out of the ballroom. Having the court see her like this was terrible for her image. And without her image... what was she really? She'd wiped most of the pie off her face by the time she got to the exit. But the guards did not let her pass. "Let me through," she growled. They paled, but did not back down.

"I'm sorry, Lady Raven, but we have strict orders not to let anyone in or out."

"Excuse me?" said Riva. She put her hands on her hips. "Do you know who I am? What I could do to you?"

The guard trembled. "T-take it up with General Praetorium." He pointed. 

"Oh, I most certainly will." Riva marched up to the man she'd been pointed to. She recognized him from when she'd had to save Jassir from his bullying. "I demand to be let out of the ballroom to wash myself! Tell your guards to step aside."

@The Ward's Guard

[Channelknight Fadran]

Wendy approached the castle wall, took in a deep breath, and knocked.

Quote

Who's the one in charge of the guards?

 

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

4 hours ago, Fallapede said:

Jasper noted the burst of motion, tracking it down to a window. As they stopped momentarily, he drew, sighted and threw a knife in one fluid motion. He then leapt off the roof towards a lower ledge, trying to cut them off.

Quote

Just so you know, it will take a lot of guards to capture Darrin. But I'm assuming once Caden is alerted to his prescence, we will have plenty of guards. 

Darrin sensed movement. There, up ahead. Another figure, jumping. Well, it appears this is a popular thing to do at this time of night. Darrin smirked, drawing an arrow from his quiver. This target would be much easier to hit than that oaf of a king. He fired, then drew again, in case he missed.

9 minutes ago, Channelknight Fadran said:

Who's the one in charge of the guards?

Quote

Just make it an NPC. That's what I've been doing with the guards.

 

[Channelknight Fadran]

A tired-looking guard opened the door. "Hello?"

"Hiya, umm... I'm looking for my dad." Wendy fidgeted with her fingers.