Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Good. I would be very displeased if you did." Riva tapped her fingers on her knee. "Do you have any family, Caden?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden dug a thumb into his other palm, as if massaging a sore spot. "No, not anymore."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Mmm. I grew up alone. I assume you did too?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"What difference does it make?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"It's conversation," Riva hissed. "And anyway, it's your turn to ask a question."

[Frustration]

Quote

It's like watching an old married couple.

Oh wait...

 

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Quote

Well. They are old. And married. 

Caden is only 47, but that's pretty old for medieval times

 

Edited June 3, 2021 by Shard of Thought

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden furrowed his brow, at a general lost for words. "Do you uh, have anything you do besides your work?"

Edited June 3, 2021 by The Ward's Guard

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"I'm a particularly skilled botanist. I know more than a thing or two about anatomy. And I'm not against knitting once in a while." 

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden, not understanding what most of that meant, simply nodded. "I can see how that would keep you busy."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Mmm hmm." Riva yawned, doing her best to stretch in the cramped space. "You don't talk to people much, do you?"

Edited June 3, 2021 by Shard of Thought

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden tried to stay out of the Raveness's way, but ultimately failed in the small carriage. "When people are at the end of your blade, they don't talk much."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva chuckled loudly. "Tell me about it. That's my entire job."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Even then," Caden turned a looked over the Raveness once more, "you seem to be very good at it."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva put a hand to her breast. "Why, Caden, was that an actual compliment?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden shook his head, "no, an observation."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva pushed his arm playfully, laughing. "Well, your flirting could use some work, but I'll take it for now. I appreciate that my greatness is only fact."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I'm no-" Caden growled in annoyance, "just ask your next question."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Hmm..." Riva sat back and thought. "Why are you so loyal to Ivian? They call you the King's Dog for a reason."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden didn't even look up, responding more out of instinct than anything. "He saved me and my house when I stood alone." 

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Ooh, sentiment. I wasn't sure you had any of that in you, General." 

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Loyalty," Caden corrected her. "When a man saves your life and lands, you owe it to him to save his."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Oh, pshaw. Loyalty, sentiment. Same thing, one just sounds manlier. You have enough manliness if you ask me. Perhaps Ivian wasn't completely crazy to give you a woman. Just crazy for giving you this one in particular." She smirked.

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden looked over the Raveness again, "the King isn't crazy. In my experience, he rarely does anything without a plan."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"And what do you think his plan is here, hmm?"