Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Unfortunately," Caden turned a little away from the Raveness, "I'm not privy to all of his strategies."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Mm. A shame." Riva looked out the window. I was worried he was trying to kill me, but he showed today that if he wanted to, he would simply do it. What is he playing at? "You're an interesting man, Caden."
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Riva’s janitor had never actually had to do this before, but he was aware of what his master meant by “her essentials.” He knew her potions as well as she did - although he was far from in-the-know about her recipes - and was really quite amazed how well the Raveness had mastered her craft. She was an artist, if a rather morbid one. But even her morbidity had some beauty to it. Stars, he thought everything about her was beautiful. What would he, as a young man, have thought if he’d known that in his old age, he’d come to love the Raveness herself?

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden turned to look out the window once more, unsure how to respond.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

The Raveness let out a sigh and snuggled as best she could into the cushions, shutting her eyes. "Well. I think I'm going to do my best to rest. Wake me when we arrive."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Quote

Time Skip!

The carriage slowly came to a stop, with sounds of the coachman descending from his seat. Caden looked over to the Raveness, checking for signs of her stirring. He sighed, nudging her to get her awake.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva yawned and when she stretched, her hand smacked Caden in the face.

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden flinched from the strike, glaring at the Raveness.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva was unable to resist a good chuckle. "Oh, dear. Sorry. I could lie and say that wasn't an accident, but I swear on the stars it was. So, we're here, or have you just woken me up to annoy me?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

As much as Caden wanted to lie to her, he preferred getting out of the carriage sooner rather than later. "We're here."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Wonderful!" She offered her hand. 

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden growled in annoyance as he opened the door to step outside, not bothering to help the Raveness down as he started to stretch his sore muscles.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

She gave an iconic eyebrow raise, hands on her hips. "I do believe you're supposed to help your dear wife out of the carriage." That's what they do at balls anyway. "Furthermore, the groom usually carries the bride in the house."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden glared at the Raveness, "why by the Stars would anyone do that?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"I've no idea!" Riva admitted. "But tradition is often that way." She sat down on the carriage and stepped down. 

Her foot promptly squelched in the mud, dirtying the hem of her dress. 

"Ah," she said. "You'll be paying for that."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden snorted, "I doubt that." He turned towards the estate that stood before him. It was stout and grey, looking far more like a fortress than the palace that they had just come from. It was low to the ground, looking as if it had been a taller keep once, but something had shoved it into the ground. Despite this, the building managed to look dark and imposing as it watched over the land with its sharp corners and roughly textured walls. 

Caden walked towards the entrance without giving the building or the Raveness a second look. "Come on, let's get inside."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva's heels sunk into the grass with every step she took - it must have rained yesterday when she was sleeping - and she growled, eventually taking the shoes off entirely and holding them. "You'll pay for these infernal heels too," Riva mumbled. 

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden rolled his eyes as he got to the door, turning around to wait for the Raveness. "Just over here, and it won't be a problem."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva scoffed. "Well, maybe not, but I'll still be muddy when I get inside." Suddenly, she halted. "I don't have clothes for tonight or tomorrow."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Is that really going to be a problem?" Caden folded his arms, sighing as his patience wore thin. 

Edited June 5, 2021 by The Ward's Guard

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Of course it is! I can't wear the same muddy-" Riva clenched her fists. "I suppose I can have your servants wash my dress, but I doubt they've ever has to do such a thing before. Argh!" She marched forward, joining him at the door. "Unless you want me walking around half-naked, I suggest you get me a new dress."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden laughed, sounding unnatural as he did it. "What do you expect me to have, a tailor? You won't find any dresses in this castle, woman. Not unless you can get one from the serving staff."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Well, I'm not your servant, that's for certain. Whatever the case, however the method, you owe me a new dress, understand?" She stared him down, tapping her bare foot.

Edited June 5, 2021 by Shard of Thought

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Fine, fine! Let's just get inside." Caden opened the door and walked in without waiting for Riva.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"So," said the Raveness, tossing her hair. "Do I get a tour?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Why? You'll only find everything on your own anyways."