toa-masquerade

[toa-masquerade]

“Take this, then. By now you may have several, but no matter.”

Off of a clasp, the clink of charms. They pass one to the other mask with no expectation for exchange. What they do offer is a vague nod to a section of sea life before them -- holding a larger echo of the charm they had just given.

“I will remember tonight's respite the next time I gaze at mine. I hope that you, too, find such peace in the future.” Duties or otherwise. Humanity, truths, or otherwise.

For who out there could truly say, with absolute certainty, what light or lackthereof the future would bring?

[END]

"Yes, it would," they agree. Such an idea is beyond belief. Beyond actualization. They take comfort in the small tranquility they are afforded in this bubble. Such a thing could never exist in the real world. A world of harsh truths and bitter wounds. However, for the purpose of the ball, agreeing is easier.

People existed to be used, especially if it was for a purpose. When a true leader shines their light on the people, they might find their way. But otherwise, people were as good at sifting through dust in the dark. 

"One can do their part," the mask copies. One hopes they do enough. One hopes that their sacrifices will make a world worth living in.

"Feel free to enjoy the sea life," they answer. "I will stay here for a while. Until my duties call me."

[toa-masquerade]

“ ah! so you are predisposed to it? Chryses, you and I should practice then, do you not think? after all the night is young, and I find your reception fascinating. so keen on perceiving others… could you not pick up something yourself in the mean time? “

“ come! after me, then! I shall show you how easy it is to express your true self in court. “ they hooked arms with their new companion, urging them with a finger pointing north. “ I swear it on my life, the Viscount must be this way. who better to practice talking a good talk than the face of tonight’s nobility? “

“ oh. “ a pause, pointing east. “ perhaps this way actually. “

pointing west. “ or maybe this way? “

“ it is going to be a long night, Chryses. “

[END]

Oh, that made sense in hindsight. Here Chyrses had assumed it to stand for "Masked Man". They could not shake the feeling that it spoke perhaps to a lack of creativity on their part (or, perhaps, a lack of faith in others' creativity), though they could find some solace in the fact that the nickname seemed to only fit if they were, indeed, Viscount Menja. Given the fact that Chryses was not the Viscount and was, as a result, already certain they were not the Viscount, they had simply failed to consider such a nickname would be applied to them.

For a moment, Chryses had to wonder if that was truly a nickname at all. After all, they did know of an August, one who, admittedly, had a personality and grand aspirations matching those displayed by the individual to whom they were presently speaking. They were fairly certain that that August was not in attendance, at least not to this masquerade. Chryses was unwilling to assume that there were not people in attendance of this ball that they hadn't even realized were at Garreg Mach at all. Even if someone had come here just for the ball and would depart for their home after, that would scarcely come as a shock. The allure of a masquerade in the company of political giants was one many would find enticing indeed.

"Very well," Chryses concurred, offering a small nod. "I accept your nicknames, Auguste. As for my stiffness, you'll have to forgive me, but I've no intention of discarding it. Actually, I'm not even sure I can. I've been acting like this so long that I'm not certain I know any other way to speak."

There was an easy excuse for the behavior, of course. Spending time in the company of nobles from an early age would breed that sort of forced cautiousness into almost anyone. Unfortunately, Chryses could not make such an assertion honestly. The fact that a lie would scarcely matter-- it was, after all, spoken to someone who did not know who Chryses was and may very well never meet them again-- did not make it any easier to be untruthful. Their conscience ever weighed heavy upon them, even in this peculiar situation.

"But you may speak as freely as you wish," Chryses added, offering a gentle smile to show they welcomed Auguste's honesty. "Do not take my reserved nature as discouragement. If this masquerade eases your spirits enough for you to drop such forced pleasantries, if it would feel better for you to do so, then I would not wish to rob you of that. Even if you gain nothing else from this night, I would be happy knowing I helped in some small way."

[toa-masquerade]

Your words, audacious as they are, beg for provocation. What you get instead is silence before a simple reply.

"That makes sense."

They wrestle their way out of your grasp, strength and agility suggesting they might be more used to doing so than their previously docile behavior might imply. They keep a more respectable distance between you and them.

"You gave me a lot to think about. More than just what I came in here for. There's a lot of brigands out there, driven to the places they are because of how the world is. But your tactic's success means a lot in how, doesn't it?"

Such dark, heavy words, and yet, even through the obscuring magic of this ballroom, they seem brighter upon striking some epiphany using your words.

"I'll keep looking for the person I'm hunting for, but I'll think on your words too even if I'm unsuccessful. I don't know if you expected this or if you've ever been told this kind of thing considering what it sounds like you've done but… I'm glad it's you I ran into tonight."

"I won't tell you to change though, because I don't think you'd answer to me, would you?"

And just as they had when you'd first collided with them, there they go, running off again. They call out as they do so.

"See you!"

But this time, their steps are lighter than they had been when your paths had first crossed.

[END]

"You're not going to find before the ball ends, you don't even know what their mask looks like. Figure out your next options after if you're smart."

You smile. So Ribbons' wasn't as dull as you thought. "Course people stayed. It either death by starvation, my blade or anyone righteous. They had to"

People were desperate, that's what made it so easily to control them. Shove a weapon into their hands for either crumbs or coins, they can't be told apart from rabid dogs who maul for sport.

"When they've killed underneath my orders, set aflame to strongholds or villages, sold their morals for gold—" Feeling brave, you leaned in close to Ribbons. "—where else would brigands have to go?"

[toa-masquerade]

The skies above knew that they had their fair share of disagreements with those closest to their heart, and they understood instantly the feeling that it only brought them closer. To understand another person was not only to see the light in the darkness and to appreciate their strengths, but to understand their weaknesses, those ugly faces never shown to the light, as well.

The little bubble hovered for a moment, and they lifted their hand to close fingers over the charm, eyes fluttering shut as though this might heighten their senses, and they might see their companion in truth - but to no avail.

"The magic is incredible. I cannot even feel it."

Then, similarly, they removed a charm of their own, and it too enclosed itself in a silvery bubble the floated to its intended recipient.

"But I will know you. When next we lay eyes on one another, I swear it."

Their hands clasped together in a comforting gesture, and the gentle grip was mirrored.

“And I hope you have that gift with you always.” The other's expression may not be visible, but emotions came through loud and clear in tone, and the warmth was infectious.

“I think I have, to an extent. We may not always agree, but even that is part of what makes... makes my family so precious to me.”

It wasn't something easily expressed aloud in person. It sounded presumptuous, even, to think that way. But it was true. To disagree, even to the point of argument, but still care deeply for one another... maybe that was the biggest blessing of all.

The enchanted hall was truly massive, but not without end, and their trek comes to a close at the edge of the boundless ocean. A faint but visible distortion, a signal to stop and, for a few long moments, take in the view.

“...Taking this journey with you has been a wonderful experience.” Calming and freeing all at once. Even deep underwater, it felt almost like the sky in the other's question was within reach.

Fingers moved to unclasp the accessory provided by the ball, handing it over to the other. A layer of sea foam bubbled forth as it was held out, leaving no trace of its identity. Another surprising mark of ingenuity by the crafter of this spell.

“I think we’ll be able to see it after leaving the water. Maybe we can try to find each other again, by our accessories.”

[toa-masquerade]

"Woah woah woah, now. Who said anythin' about this gender nonsense!" A pause. "But nah, I'm not pleasant enough t' call myself a damsel. I'd be far more, ah. Well-endowed." A wink and a shrug. "Not that yer able t' tell either way, right? A shame! Perhaps I should've claimed otherwise. Alas, I'll keep that in mind for th' next dancer I keep myself in time with."

They shrug once more as the dance moves on. It's more up their preferred speed, something improvised and, frankly, a little stupid looking. So it goes- its fun, and that's what matters.

"Ah, maybe, but that one is never any fun." They cluck their tongue. "Yer not one of the house, are you, ser? Not a fan o' those 'pullin' the string' types, generally. Tend t' be too pompous for my nature. Though, if that fits your descriptor," another side-step, "then salutations and well met! Pleasure making your acquaintance and I've nothin' but respect for string-pullers and puppeteers alike."

“You'd call that a proposal?” Their shoulders briefly stifle on what could either be a laugh or a grimace -- no telling with a mask that obscured the entire face. Yet maybe that had been the point. Throw away face both literal and not, and you could be anyone you wanted: a gambler, a drunk, even an allegedly suave stranger. “And you, not a ser?”

The green and gold mask steals the lead right back. 3/4 time flies out the window, abandoned in favor of informal swing and sway. They keep up as promised, though, letting their partner guide them through the motions.

“I thought the first rule was that the house always wins.” They counter, and even with distorted voices, now they've let theirs carry what expression they're wearing. Raised brows, curious eyes. “Which must make it all that much harder for people to be that remaining one percent. I wonder where I'll end up being.”

[toa-masquerade]

Their hands clasped together in a comforting gesture, and the gentle grip was mirrored.

“And I hope you have that gift with you always.” The other's expression may not be visible, but emotions came through loud and clear in tone, and the warmth was infectious.

“I think I have, to an extent. We may not always agree, but even that is part of what makes... makes my family so precious to me.”

It wasn't something easily expressed aloud in person. It sounded presumptuous, even, to think that way. But it was true. To disagree, even to the point of argument, but still care deeply for one another... maybe that was the biggest blessing of all.

The enchanted hall was truly massive, but not without end, and their trek comes to a close at the edge of the boundless ocean. A faint but visible distortion, a signal to stop and, for a few long moments, take in the view.

“...Taking this journey with you has been a wonderful experience.” Calming and freeing all at once. Even deep underwater, it felt almost like the sky in the other's question was within reach.

Fingers moved to unclasp the accessory provided by the ball, handing it over to the other. A layer of sea foam bubbled forth as it was held out, leaving no trace of its identity. Another surprising mark of ingenuity by the crafter of this spell.

“I think we’ll be able to see it after leaving the water. Maybe we can try to find each other again, by our accessories.”

Chest warmed at the admission, knowing that they had not been so candid when they usually were, learning that for others it must have been opposite. They found it rather easier to be more bluff with their words and intentions when seeing the true face of another - trust could be gauged from the eyes, from the heart.

In spite of themselves, they reached forward to grip the other's hand, a gentle squeeze. "To find a home in spite of turmoil is...a gift without equal. I...I understand that it must be hard to trust yourself, or to find that strength in another. For a long time I had only myself to rely on, and so when others came along - with their expectations, and needs - I...found myself wavering, from time to time.

"I was lucky, then, that our hearts were so alike that I was able to eventually find strength in my friends. I know now that even if my heart cannot chart its true course, that I have them to lend their thoughts. Whether I follow that advice, or whether it allows me to find certainty in myself."

Another gentle squeeze, another smile that their companion could not see, but they hoped could be heard. "I hope that this is something you have, one day, as well."

[toa-masquerade]

"Better than yourself!" they gasp, righting themself back up with some amount of difficulty. They nod thankfully at their companion before putting firm hands on their hips. "Well, that's a no-good attitude! I bet you totally can get it if you-"

They trail off as their partner makes an attempt, hands slowly drifting to their face. Good thing they didn't accuse their partner of being a liar before they made a fool of themself.

"I mean, it's the effort that counts!" They flap their hands. "And you shouldn't compare yourself to me! It's hard to stand up to someone as excellent as myself- not to brag, of course. I don't wanna give the game away, but it's just really hard! And! Maybe you're old!"

They don't stop to think about whether or not that, if their companion really isn't old, how much of an insult that is. But the thought is nice, or something.

"They just might. After all, the staff are not partaking in this event, so it stands to reason that they would be catching sight of at least some as they don a mask and the magic takes effect." Perhaps they kept a list, or maybe they were taking bets on who was who same as those beneath the waves. 

There was some thrill in not knowing for sure.

"But then, if it were that simple, one could simply watch as people put on their masks and entered. And that would hardly be as fun as this dance of wondering and guessing."

It tilts its head just a little at that, shoulders bobbing in the faintest of shrugs. "I have no great skill in acrobatics, but I think it could be rather fun to try. Falling down here would not strike so hard at body or pride." So it does not shy away when the other clasps hands together, touch felt but magic preventing any real understanding of physical detail beyond that. It keeps a careful hold as its partner makes an attempt and goes tumbling through the gentle atmosphere of the water they walk in, letting its fingers twist as needed to not impede the other mask in their somersaulting and only pulling them back in when it seems they've lost a little of their control.

"A full rotation isn't bad, especially for a first go. I'm sure you'll do better than myself." 

An attempt is surely made, but it gets partway through the flip before its control falters, limbs rigidly flailing to keep balance, and it ends up floating down to the sandy floor on its back. Rather unsuccessful, but it was fun to try.

[toa-masquerade]

"You're not going to find before the ball ends, you don't even know what their mask looks like. Figure out your next options after if you're smart."

You smile. So Ribbons' wasn't as dull as you thought. "Course people stayed. It either death by starvation, my blade or anyone righteous. They had to"

People were desperate, that's what made it so easily to control them. Shove a weapon into their hands for either crumbs or coins, they can't be told apart from rabid dogs who maul for sport.

"When they've killed underneath my orders, set aflame to strongholds or villages, sold their morals for gold—" Feeling brave, you leaned in close to Ribbons. "—where else would brigands have to go?"

"What the?!"

Ribbons cries out underneath your grip, voice more bellowing than before. Their head shifted to look down at how tightly your hand seizes their shoulder, but even after that initial flinch, they turn back to stare at you.

"So you want me to isolate them? And see if they try to escape?"

Even as you deliver pain, however, they do seem to listen to you.

"I see…" Your words, dark though they may be, don't result in protest. "And you've done this before?"

Testing and searching, they press not with physical force but the strength of their words.

"Has anyone ever stayed after you've done that?"

[toa-masquerade]

“Ah... Thank you,” says the helmeted one, not displeased by their words. “Truth be told, I'd noticed your mask some time ago. I found it lovely, you see. Is--”

They means to say something else to “Lily”, yet the sight of another mask puts lead in their steps. The dance is halted.

Some deformed, wretched animal. A mouse? It is perhaps the most grotesque of horrors they have witnessed tonight. Their blood runs cold, and as much as they yearn to linger for longer, they cannot. The night's magic is exterminated.

“I must go.” They mutter to poor Lily, regret discernable even in their distorted voice. “I... cannot explain why. Not now.”

Gently, they clasp the other's hands in theirs. Into Lily's fingers, they slip a token.

“For you.” The helmeted mask releases them. “My charm, as an apology. Perhaps-- perhaps we'll meet again. I should like to finish our dance properly then...”

And into the night, they retreat.

[END]

Fingers rest upon the other’s palm gently as they make their way to the middle of the dancefloor. Once they arrive, their footsteps halt. A hand rests upon the partner’s shoulder while the opposite intertwines around the mysterious helmet-head’s. “Lily” looks downwards at their feet, trying to get a feel for the music to guide the two of them.

One foot forward, another foot back… As mentally practiced.

Clearing their throat, they straightened their posture to gaze at the supposed helmet-head with a smile.

“I’m surprised you could see me through that bulky mask of your’s! I almost thought you’d miss my request, you know. It’s quite impressive.”

[toa-masquerade]

"What the?!"

Ribbons cries out underneath your grip, voice more bellowing than before. Their head shifted to look down at how tightly your hand seizes their shoulder, but even after that initial flinch, they turn back to stare at you.

"So you want me to isolate them? And see if they try to escape?"

Even as you deliver pain, however, they do seem to listen to you.

"I see…" Your words, dark though they may be, don't result in protest. "And you've done this before?"

Testing and searching, they press not with physical force but the strength of their words.

"Has anyone ever stayed after you've done that?"

You grabbed Ribbons' shoulder, squeezing it hard and firm, enough for the pain to weight your words but not enough to bruise.

"Easy. You make them swear loyalty by force." 

Power was a need in order to command over others. That's what your upbringing ingrained in you, and that's how you continued to live. If Ribbons' was too softhearted to realize that, it'd only end up with their back punctured by a dagger.

"Let's say, you start a mission that demands them to be there—anything that'll keep them chained to you."

Even the best of liars will crack beneath pressure, it happened to you after all.

"You'll see the real them if they're cut off from the world, if they're trying to weasel their way out of it—well, you'll have your answer."

[toa-masquerade]

You grabbed Ribbons' shoulder, squeezing it hard and firm, enough for the pain to weight your words but not enough to bruise.

"Easy. You make them swear loyalty by force." 

Power was a need in order to command over others. That's what your upbringing ingrained in you, and that's how you continued to live. If Ribbons' was too softhearted to realize that, it'd only end up with their back punctured by a dagger.

"Let's say, you start a mission that demands them to be there—anything that'll keep them chained to you."

Even the best of liars will crack beneath pressure, it happened to you after all.

"You'll see the real them if they're cut off from the world, if they're trying to weasel their way out of it—well, you'll have your answer."

"People change all the time to survive. That's true. I've seen that plenty of times before."

Ribbons takes one step back as you lean towards them. Whether that fabric is less opaque than you might believe or they merely sense your presence, it's clear they can react to your advance.

They don't run though. In a fit of irony for how your two's paths crossed, they stand perfectly still.

"Force them? How?"

[toa-masquerade]

"People change all the time to survive. That's true. I've seen that plenty of times before."

Ribbons takes one step back as you lean towards them. Whether that fabric is less opaque than you might believe or they merely sense your presence, it's clear they can react to your advance.

They don't run though. In a fit of irony for how your two's paths crossed, they stand perfectly still.

"Force them? How?"

They didn't trust their supposed partner? Well that makes two of us then. You quirked a brow beneath your mask, if there's something to gain from this...

What a funny question for Ribbons to ask. You couldn't help the dry scoff from turning into a hollow chuckle. "Blood or water—doesn't matter to me." You words darken, dropping flat against the lively chatter of the ball as the festivities reached their peak. "People change for their own benefit all the time, it's foolish to act as if anyone is going to play nice forever."

"If you're fretting about where their loyalties lie and you can't find them in the ball—" You lean down to Ribbons, open eyes glaring into a pair that was willingly blinded.

People were easy to mould and bend to your will, you were instructed in the best ways to get them to do so—a knife pointed at their family member's neck, a letter revealing the sabotages they've conspired in—those all worked. You've picked some new ones through the years. Better ones too.

"Why not force them to decide where they stand afterwards?"

[toa-masquerade]

They didn't trust their supposed partner? Well that makes two of us then. You quirked a brow beneath your mask, if there's something to gain from this...

What a funny question for Ribbons to ask. You couldn't help the dry scoff from turning into a hollow chuckle. "Blood or water—doesn't matter to me." You words darken, dropping flat against the lively chatter of the ball as the festivities reached their peak. "People change for their own benefit all the time, it's foolish to act as if anyone is going to play nice forever."

"If you're fretting about where their loyalties lie and you can't find them in the ball—" You lean down to Ribbons, open eyes glaring into a pair that was willingly blinded.

People were easy to mould and bend to your will, you were instructed in the best ways to get them to do so—a knife pointed at their family member's neck, a letter revealing the sabotages they've conspired in—those all worked. You've picked some new ones through the years. Better ones too.

"Why not force them to decide where they stand afterwards?"

If Ribbons has an opinion that disagrees with your thoughts on knights, they don't voice anything to the contrary. They merely remain silent, contemplative, on the matter.

You bring their words out of them again though with your pointed questions.

"You don't pull your punches," they remark, seemingly not offput by the underlying tone of exasperation that might be picked up. "It's not really either though. It's more this whole premise."

One pointer finger moves up then twirls around in place, indicating the whole underwater ball.

"If they came here to be anonymous, they must have a reason. There's something here they can't do normally. What are they searching for?"

A palpable anxiety fills Ribbons' explanation.

"I'm not trying to reunite with them. But I want to know with my own eyes they're not doing something…"

They struggle to place their thoughts. Eventually, after a couple moments, they arrive at their conclusion.

"…something to make me change my mind on how I feel about them." They turn the conversation suddenly. "Would you not be bothered if someone you've known for a long time became a completely different person the first chance they got?"

[toa-masquerade]

If Ribbons has an opinion that disagrees with your thoughts on knights, they don't voice anything to the contrary. They merely remain silent, contemplative, on the matter.

You bring their words out of them again though with your pointed questions.

"You don't pull your punches," they remark, seemingly not offput by the underlying tone of exasperation that might be picked up. "It's not really either though. It's more this whole premise."

One pointer finger moves up then twirls around in place, indicating the whole underwater ball.

"If they came here to be anonymous, they must have a reason. There's something here they can't do normally. What are they searching for?"

A palpable anxiety fills Ribbons' explanation.

"I'm not trying to reunite with them. But I want to know with my own eyes they're not doing something…"

They struggle to place their thoughts. Eventually, after a couple moments, they arrive at their conclusion.

"…something to make me change my mind on how I feel about them." They turn the conversation suddenly. "Would you not be bothered if someone you've known for a long time became a completely different person the first chance they got?"

You let out a dry scoff. "Tell me about it. They blissfully chain themselves like dogs to whatever order their master gives them." Duty and honour were crutches everyone paraded around as virtues. They never brought actual results.

Someone who packs a hard punch and was loveable by all? A pang of irritation flashed from the back of your mind. Whatever information Ribbons gave, you would have an easier time squeezing blood from stones.

You didn't bother mincing your words. "It doesn't."

Scanning around the ballroom, colourful masks drifted around the floor—different decorations and sizes glittering them, from the distance the pair of you were walking, no one popped out.

For now, small talk will have to suffice. "Are you looking to reunite with your lord. Or," You give a pointed glance to a giggling couple sharing a drink. "am I playing cupid to reunite the lovesick couple?"

[toa-masquerade]

"Hehe. No problem," they giggle back. They look at the featureless charm in their hands anew, fond of the crescent moon that is etched into it now.

Would it really be possible to find the other person using this? They really do want to believe, just as they wish to believe in this other person's humanity.

They, too, hold their charm over their heart, a mirror for them through and through.

"I'll do my best to find you! You can consider that a promise from me!"

And in the days after the ball, they would wear their bracelet, the charm with the moon on it proudly displayed just in case.

[END]

“Matching?” You repeat before gently laughing. “Once we leave, I’m certain we will be able to find one another with this too.”

You enjoyed the rapport you had with them. You think you’d like to speak to them again.

Magic flows from your hand once more. Another crescent moon appears albeit mirrored. “We aren’t the same, but I can admit to seeing myself in you.”

You hold their charm over your heart. “Thank you.”

[toa-masquerade]

“How tricky of you!” They sing, leaning closer to study the other’s blank mask, as if they could see through it at all. They can’t, of course, so they lean back, placing their hands behind their head as they consider the implications. “I suppose so, but there’s no reason for me to try and guess, is there?”

“It depends on who you ask!” Tapping their foot, glancing upward at water that rises endlessly above the pair. “I’d like to think that I have lied to protect loved ones, before… But I don’t know if it succeeded, you know!”

A laugh, bright and clear. “I’ll let you guess if that’s honest by yourself. Looks like a storm is approaching, and I don't think we want to get caught up in that, hm? It was fun playing with you! May we meet again, my friend.”

[END]

“No,” they say, sounding as if they had been cheerful beneath that blank stare of a mask, “I lied to you.”

Lying, the act itself was something that had gotten under their skin. Even as they themselves lied just now – even if it had been done with kind intent – they felt a sense of discomfort in the act. “I guess even through that, though, you could probably figure out my true answer.” A clearing of the throat followed, an indicator of wanting to move to the next question.

“I suppose we both can lie when necessary, whether that’s for better or for worse so…have you ever lied to someone to protect them? A close friend, or even a family member?”

[toa-masquerade]

"Good?! You whacked me on the head, you punk!"

Again, it had been a mutual whacking.

"Haha, that's where you're wrong! I do go to Garreg Mach! I have a room and everything! I even—" You peek your head around the other person's shoulder mid sentence, distracted by something off in the distance. "Is that a mirror? Underwater? Hey, get back here! I need to see what my mask says!!!"

In a different world, maybe you would be able to say you slunk away. Mysteriously vanished, one would say. That world, however, is not this world. You do not politely slip away from the scene. You are, in fact, quite loud about the way you push through the crowd to chase after a different person.

From beginning to end, truly an idiot.

end.

He probably should've thought a little harder before doing that. 

"S-sorry! You good?" 

Actually how many knights did he know? The few that came to mind he guessed he could imagine them sneaking in but they were knights, they must've been exempt from the gift thing right?

Something cooler? It was just their classes!

"I don't even think you go to Garreg Mach did you just sneak in from town or something?" The idea that someone like this was in any of the houses at all was hard to think about so they just couldn't be going to the school, they barely even talked like they were old enough to. That squared everything away nicely.