Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[Channelknight Fadran]

A realization--a suspicion, really--came over Ivian, followed by an unprecedented fear.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

"I sent the Raveness to your home to disentangle her sins from this kingdom," Ivian said, voice forceably controlled. "What was it that happened while she was there?"

Edited November 27, 2021 by Ookla the Lad

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I must beg your pardon again. she and I have tried to make the most of this marriage."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"That I must applaud and respect, but the fact remains that she is a threat to this kingdom and its people. As such she must be removed."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"How is she a threat? All she can do at my estate is interact with me and brew potions. You have made sure of that."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Witches have their ways," Ivian replied, "and this one especially. The Raveness does not draw power from any number of potions or victims but by the fear of the people at her mercy; while she lives, the name lives. And I'll not have that name in my kingdom any longer."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"But the Ravenness already does not live. There is no Ravenness in this kingdom after you removed Riva from the position." He tilted his head, much like a dog. "That is what you did, yes?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Riva Thadel lives, and therefore so does the Raveness." Ivian pressed a clenched fist into his palm. "Caden, she exists to cause pain; so much so that she'd go to any length to hear a scream or sob from anyone--a peasant, a king... or his general."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden pressed his fists against the table, leaning his weight onto it. "It sounds as if the king himself has bought into the myth that surrounds this woman."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"I know, full well, that behind the myth there is nothing but a harmless and frail wraith; but this kingdom has never seen it. Myths have power, and therefore so does she." Ivian placed a hand behind his back. "You must understand, general, that she is toying with you."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I have been toyed with by many, king. I know what it feels to have one's emotions played with as if they were nothing. She will stay with me at my estate, and if you try to take her by force, then try it." He offered a smile, though no joy was behind it. "Would you like to learn as the Anadlas did?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Caden!" Ivian shouted.

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Without flinching, Caden continued to glare at the king. "I have already nearly lost her once. I will kill to stop it from happening again. Understand?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"How long have you served under me, general, and how long have you been married to that witch?" Ivian brought his hand back out, clenched tight into a fist. "I remember, Caden, years ago when we were both vying for domination. I've watched you burn down swaths of farmlands and villages; massacre through towns of the innocent. You would've torn the world down at my command, and yet now you refuse to be rid of the one sinner in this kingdom more deserving than any other for punishment. I remember when I betrothed you both; the utter disbelief and disgust in your eyes at the mere idea of being associated with her. What changed, Caden, and why?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I don't blazing know, Ivian. But she's someone I need, and I will be damned if I let myself go through losing someone so close to me again." He growled softly. "Do not try to take her from me. For both our sakes."

[Channelknight Fadran]

Ivian shook.

He wasn't very acquainted to shaking, so he sat down.

"Caden..."

A breath came in, then went out.

Mal.

"I... very well." Ivian nodded. "She will remain at your estate, on the condition that she take your name--Praetorium--and end her experimentations with witchcraft."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"And I'll bu-" Caden stopped, not expecting Ivian to back down so easily. Gaping for just a moment, he straightened his back and nodded. "Her name was changed at the marriage ceremony, and she no longer practices her torture at all."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Keep her presence quiet," Ivian instructed, "and ensure she doesn't return to her old ways. If she does, I will have her executed. Understand?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

He nodded. "I will watch over her carefully."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Then you are dismissed."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

He nodded, and turned to leave. However, as he reached the door, he paused for a moment. "My l- Ivian. Thank you."

[Channelknight Fadran]

Ivian didn't reply. He couldn't.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Quote

Not gonna write up the end of the dinner scene. Let's just have Nico talk to Wendy. 

Nico stood halfway across the room from the mirror so that he could see his whole hulking figure in it. He'd made an effort to look nice, slicking his hair back and wearing his best outfit. He held a bouquet of bright flowers in his hand and tried to breathe evenly while he prayed to the Stars that Wendy would forgive him. He'd been stupid, so stupid, but Wendy was a kindhearted woman. Maybe she'd take pity on him? 

A few minutes later, he knocked with numb fingers on the servant's quarters. 

@Ookla the Lad

[Channelknight Fadran]

Katie answered the door. "Nico!"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

“Hiya, Katie.” He smiled, but the usual warmth wasn’t there. “Where’s Wendy?”

[Channelknight Fadran]

"She's sleeping." Katie replied. "Also she says that you're an ugly moron and she hates you."