Evers eyes dropped from Kayan to the tomatoes she had cut in half with a knife from the chopping block. She offered a small smile “don’t worry about it. I understand you have responsibilities.” She whipped off the juices from the tomatoes and turned to him. “Thank you once again for what you did. If there’s anything you need or if you think I can help with the other Associates, please don’t hesitate to ask. If I’m not home ask the barkeep at Thebes tavern. They’re good friends of mine.”
She walked over to the alcove where she kept the objects she used for reading and pulled out the silver chain with the gold and jade ring. She took his hand and pressed it into his palm. “Remember what you value.” She winked and lead him to the door. “I hope to see you again under better circumstances Kai.” She said, standing by the doorway of her small cottage as he left
Kayan smiled to himself as he walked out, looking back over his shoulder and giving a small wave.
“I thank you, m’lady,” he said, turning around fully so he could face her. “For putting up with me.”
He was truly heartbroken he had to leave. What if he never saw her again? The mysterious woman… who knew the songs of the ancients. Who possibly held some answers to his past.
He had barely any other business in this village, so coming back on the job was most likely not an option, much to his dismay.
So, he guessed he would just have to come back on his own terms.
Kayan gave her the one last charming smile, before skipping into a fly, his boots scuffing the ground as he launched himself into the ever darkening sky. The sun reflected off of his almost glowing wings, bringing out the florescent colors.
He briefly looked at the ring cradled tight in his hands, the smile lessening but still staying right where it was. He liked that woman. Surely it wouldn’t be the last time he saw her.
He nodded her head in polite departure and respect as Kai walked then flew off. “My pleasure.” She muttered as she watched his wings disappear into the twilight sky. you let an angel go, is that a curse or selflessness?
She went back inside once she was sure he had left and prepared the dinner only using half the tomatoes she picked. She put the others in a jar for later use and cooked a simple warm salad with fresh bread.
After dinner she tidied up the house and sat in her bed, chaining together the rest of her crown and looking over the ten cards that were pulled today during the reading. The cards that stuck most to her were the sun, the moon and the lovers. Two opposites and then one card bringing that under all one concept. She shook her head from thought. Maybe the cards were wrong.
Kayan’s wings were very tired. But, the city was just a slight bit farther.
Gracefully, he dived down, his wings now reflecting the faint glow of the moon. The sun was gone, sinking lower and lower under the mountains.
Kai drifted into a walk, landing swiftly on his feet and keeping momentum. The lights of the city weren’t far off.
He had long forgotten the name of it, but supposedly it was known for its many guards and vast market systems. Even from here, a separate hill, he could see the bustle of the civilization. The night did nothing to stop it.
Kayan gave an uneasy smile at the situation. Carefully, he took out the black cloak from his satchel and swung it onto his shoulders, folding in his wings the best he could. Which… wasn’t very good. At least they were less noticeable now.
As he walked to the city, his guns continued their clinking in the holsters at his belt, the ammunition tapping slightly along with them.
(Oki idea for when they meet again. What if everyone gets invited to a ball or something, maybe a masquerade ball, and Kayan and Evers find each other?)
Evers read her cards once more before settling into bed. She had to get up early in the morning to fill in a last minute order for a customer as well as restock her remedies and destroyed products.
Falling asleep with the thought of Kayan on her mind and a knife under her pillow, she dozed off peacefully until the early morning omg hours
(Sure. In the city? And would we be time-skipping till then)
(Yeah, maybe it’s held by the queen or something? And yeah we can timeskip)
(Alright. I’ll post in a sec)
Kayan let out a heavy breath as he looked from the invitation in his hand to the kingdom in front of him. The handwritten invite signed formally by the queen was held tight in the grasp of his gloved hand.
He grit his teeth as the lanterns cast a warm glow among his mask, the decals coiling around those piercing eyes of his. He narrowed his brow, taking a last peek at the note.
He was sure others had gotten different invites. However, Kayan was… “close” to the queen in a way. Not a way he liked, but more of a way he put up with. He wasn’t exactly behind her personality, or way of ruling for that matter.
Still, what did he have better to do at the moment?
His cloak billowed around him, his wings still tucked tight to his back. His palette was overall more charcoal, giving his eyes just the slightest dull tint. His white gloves were about the only splash of light, besides the alabaster guns at his waist.
With a huff and a quite long blink, Kayan made his way up the steps to the kingdom.
Evers still didn't understand why she of all people was called to attend the ball. She wasn't anyone of importance, certainly not to the Queen. She was a little more relieved when Tory, the barkeep at the tavern was also invited and even more relieved when she agreed to help dress her for the even, Evers herself not having anything but her day dresses to wear to the ball. Sitting in the little area in front of the dressing room, she bounced her leg in anticipation, waiting for Tory to get back with the select dresses.
"Alright, so I found a few that would fit. try these on."
Val looked over the dresses, all just as beautiful as the next. One dress was black with beading down the center and a frilled skirt. The second one was a deep teal dress that seamed more casual than the rest if it weren't for the gold embroidery that mimicked the feathers of a peacock. The third was a a rose toned dress that looked like it was made from air, the fabric sheer and flowing.
After trying on all the dresses with their accompanying masks, Evers settled for the teal dress with a filigree mask the same shade of gold.
She joined Tory outside where a simple carriage pulled by a few black stallions was waiting. She fllowed in after Tory and soon arrived at the castle in a few hours.
"Think we're late?" Ever's questioned, twirling one of her cards in her hand nervously.
"Fashionably so," Tory replied, handing her the mask and looping her arm with hers as they entered the palace. It took every ounce of Ever's efforts to not gape at the stunning place as well as at the stunning guests.
If it was Kayan normally, he would have been out on the ballroom floor, wooing whomever he could. Which may have been a numerous amount of people, but he wouldn’t have known.
Instead, he was shoved into a corner, watching the rest of the people dance. He told himself that he came for a scouting mission, trying to earn any dirt on the next case he could. It had only been a few days since he got to the city, but he had already been given his next job. A thief named Wyven, apparently. And what better place to take something? In a venue where every person is also wearing a mask.
So Kayan trained his eyes on the door, trying to see anything suspicious. Mostly, he was just trying to avoid the Queen. He couldn’t deal with… that right now.
His arms crossed in front of him as the cloak billowed down, covering the most of his wings. He had known some people of the city to… not necessarily like the fey folk. It was difficult and his wings were cramped, but he had to make them work.
Tory and Evers climbed the stairs to the main ballroom. She looked around, wide eyed and in awe. How could a place be so beautiful, so intracate yet so beautiful simple. The ivory and marble columns offset the warm tones of bronze and drop golds of the ballroom walls and floors.
She was drawn away from her awe when Tory tugged her sleeve and leaned in close “imma find some shoes people to dance with. Coming with?” She eyes a group of men loitering around the drinks table. Evers shook her head and smiled at her friend “go have fun, I’ll be exploring.”
Tory nodded and let ever see to her curiosity. She found herself drawn to the balcony that extended out to a scenic landscape. She headed over to the balcony, picking up a treat and a glass of Champaign on her way outside
Kayan’s eyes caught on a feminine figure making her way to the balcony. Alone, he may add. It was odd to see a woman unaccompanied by a man, or some other escort. He raised an eyebrow, unable to get a read on who it was due to the masks. His blonde hair peeked through his own mask, the blacks contrasting greatly with his bright eyes.
Kai cocked his head and pushed himself from his prop, picking up a glass of Champaign himself and heading outside.
The night was cold, and the balcony overlooked all the lights of the city. It certainly was beautiful, he’d have to admit.
Swiftly, he walked up beside the girl, his Champaign held elegantly in one hand and his elbow propped on the railing. His cloak billowed behind him, and his royal black garb was accented by gold hues. He looked like he may have been a royal guard at this very castle.
“Nice night, isn’t it?” he cooed melodically.
Evers jumped slightly, having not seen the man come up next to her. She regained her composure and nodded “it is indeed. I’ve never seen the city from here.”
She glanced over at the man, his presence and confidence demanding attention. From his wardrobe to his stance, he looked nothing less than royal, or at least very closely affiliated with the royal court. She bowed politely and leaned back against the railing.
“Am I right to assume you have some high standing foothold in the royal court?” She asked, not wanting to pry into the man’s business but not being able to control her curiosity
Kayan gave a slight laugh. He didn’t want to be affiliated with the Queen at all.
“No, no,” he said. “Just here on a mission, so to speak.”
Something had caught his attention. The way this woman carried herself. Her voice. Gosh, he had been replaying the voice in his head for a long time now.
He cocked his head, still trying to deduce why this woman was as familiar as he thought. His mind raced back to all the times he had met someone new.
“E-Evers?” he asked quietly, but somehow his voice still held that joking quality. “Wait, is that you?”
He took off his own mask, showing his bright eyes and messed blonde hair, his emerald orbs shining in the moonlight. He held a sort of rough smile, more genuine than charming.
She’s cocked her head to the side, confused as to how the man knew her name. “Kai?” She took off her own mask and broke into a smile.
“I never you were ‘queen’s masquerade’ fancy.” She laughed softly and relaxed back against the railing, holding heel self a bit more loosely now that she knew the man she was talking to. “Now are you really here for a mission or just cuz the Queen invited you and you had nowhere else to be?”
“Okay,” Kai muttered defensively. “I have a mission. Don’t go spreading those rumors.”
He gave a small laugh, leaning his back up against the railing and resting his elbows there. He slightly scoffed at the mention that he was there for the Queen. Which he had made clear— he certainly wasn’t. Sure he had gotten a formal invite from the woman herself, but he didn’t care.
“Speaking of which,” he mumbled, glancing over. “How have things been?”
She laughed softly at his playfulness and looked out onto the beautiful landscape of sloping hills washed in moonlight, the long grasses and flowers turning a silvery blue. The trees turning into glossy deeper shades of their brighter day time counterparts. Evers has always preferred the night to the day, always preferred its mystery to knowing the rioting that day brought. “I’ve been Alright. No more attacks which is good. Business has been going smoothly. How about you? Did you ever find the guy’s associates? Or anyone else on your list of criminals?” She inquiries, knowing she probably shouldn’t ask since it wasn’t confidential information.
“Eh,” he began, looking over. “Tawn didn’t have anyone else. But I’m looking for a new guy now.”
His eyes shifted over to the ballroom, darting between people.
“Figured he’d be here tonight,” he finished, turning back around. He took up the same position as she, staring off into the night.
“Though, there’s nothing to worry about,” Kayan said quickly, gesturing with a limp hand. “He’s just a lowly thief. Shouldn’t bring any real destruction tonight. Just may give people some trouble. Have ‘em lose a few coins.”
Her heart dropped at the mention oh Tawn’s potential presence “he wouldn’t dare attack anyone on Royal grounds, would he?” She asked softly, glancing over at Kayan. He really did fit the part of royal nobleman. She smiled softly despite the situation they were talking about and took a sip of the Champaign “hm, he doesn’t seem so much of a threat then if all he does is steal coin.”
“Honestly, I’m not too worried,” he said, though his eyes were still locked on the people moving within the open door. “If I was, I’d be on higher alert. Mainly I just came tonight to—,”
Kayan stopped himself. He really didn’t have a reason. He just knew it wasn’t for the Queen. It wasn’t.
He took a deep breath, stalling between words.
“Dance?” he said, more as a question. “I don’t know. But it’s not because I had nothing else better to do, mind you.”
He looked over to her with a taunting smile. “And why might you be here, hm?”
“Huh, I never took you as a dancer, more of a rigid, stand in the corner and brood type of man.” She joked, a slight smirk on her face.
“Of course it’s not.” She teased, resting her head on her hand. “Me? Honestly I don’t know. I got an invite, not to sure why though. Tory got one too so we decided to go together, though I think it might have been better if I stayed home.”
“Nonsense,” he said with the wave of a hand. He then looked over, finally registering her last comment.
“Wait a minute,” he mumbled, before continuing in a sort of assertive voice. “You don’t think of me as a dancer? How rude. How utterly and terribly rude.”
Kayan’s voice was full of sarcastic humor as he pushed himself from the railing. He held out a gloved hand, the white of the glove light against the black of the cloak draped over his covered wings. It contrasted perfectly with the black of his coat, but complimented the lighter insignias.
“I can show you I can dance,” he said, keeping his hand held out. “I’ll prove you wrong.”
He shot her a mischievous grin. “Care to dance?”
Evers laughed at his sarcasm and his charms. “Will you now? I have my doubts.”
She looked down at his outstretched hand and set down her drink, thinking over his offer.
“Alright, Of you’re so confident you can prove me wrong, then I guess I have no other choice then to allow you to show me.” She place her hand in his and led him back inside to the ballroom
