Tori raised an eyebrow and smiled back "my what a gentleman, never would have guessed that having heard you talk about the guard." she laughed and shook her head, glaring back to where the guard had walked off to "serves him right. There's no need to accuse when you've done nothing wrong Evers."
Evers gave her friend's arm an appreciative squeeze. "thank you Tori but I'm fine, really." she smiled at her friend as she reluctantly nodded. "alright then, I'll leave you two to your business. If that guard or anyone else comes around bothering you, come find me and I'll put them in their place." she winked and bounced away back into the crowd.
"She's a firecracker but she means well." Evers reassured, walking back out to the balcony and gazing out at the landscape "you doing alright?" she asked Kayan softly, having sensed some discomfort beforehand.
Kayan watched Tori mix back in with the crowd, the smirk staying slightly on his face.
“I like her,” he said, his tone light and playful. “She seems… fiery, for certain.”
He nodded in agreement to Evers’ previous statement, slowly shifting his gaze back to the balcony and losing his expression.
His eyes followed Evers to her place upon the railing, and he took up a post beside her, looking out with his elbows propped there.
The question, although slightly direct in his opinion, didn’t seem to faze him. He hadn’t expected it, but it didn’t surprise him.
Being defensive would debatably get him nowhere. But he’d always be more comfortable bending the truth.
“Yeah,” he mumbled, fiddling with the rim of his glove on the opposite hand. “I’ll be fine. It’s… well, it’s a lot to take, if that wasn’t obvious.”
He paused, letting out a short breathy laugh.
“But don’t worry, it was not your fault, trust me.”
(Would love to continue this if you’re up for it?)
(Oh, yeah, I’d love to! Sorry I’ve been MIA forever.. I love this RP! I’d totally rekindle it if we could)
(It’s ok! Same! Yes!)
Evers nodded “it is a lot to take in.” She narrowed her eyes at him, still sending something off but not wanting to pry more than she already has. “If it’s not Munich fault then how come I feel like I’ve opened Pandora’s box?” She shook her head, reminding herself not to get too wrapped up in Kayan’s life. Yes, he had trusted her enough to open up about his past, yes, she had offered her services when asked to do a reading, yes, she did essentially owed him for saving her life the other day. So why did she feel guilty about knowing about his sister and friend.
“I don’t trust many people, let alone Fae. Give me one solid reason why I should trust you now.” She challenged with a teasing smile, trying to lighten the darkened mood that had fallen over them both
Kayan’s face twisted up yet again into a smile, head shaking as his eyes gazed out to nowhere in particular. The previous light-hearted emerald sheen of them had long been forgotten, the irises clouded over with some sort of bittersweet melancholy, and he didn’t bother hiding it. After all, behind a mask, it was hard to notice it anyway.
“Love, there’s no reason you should trust me,” he said blatantly, as if it were common knowledge. His words were only cut short by a diminutive snicker. “But… I suppose I trust you, so if that was to be reciprocated, I’d be forever graced.”
He leaned forward, stretching out his back before glancing over to Evers, then turning to face her completely. He crossed his leg behind the other, leaning his side up against the railing.
“Why don’t you like fae, anyway?” he asked, voice holding that tinge of curiosity. “Besides me, of course.”
Evers laughed softly and shook her head “who says I like you, dear? I merely tolerate your presence.” She replied, trying to make her voice sound posh and overly dramatic. She relaxed and shrugged. “My family has never really had a great relationship with the Fae. Especially the royal court. My sister and mother were burned for ‘use of magic’ and ‘predicting the future’ but we never hurt anyone. We just did our job. Anything to keep us out of poverty.” She looked away slightly, knowing that she shouldn’t get so emotional, especially with another Fae that had connections to the royal court beside her. “Time and time again our family has been betrayed by those who were supposed to protect us. How as humans are we supposed to fight against those that are clearly more powerful than us?” She took a deep breath and crossed her arms overboard her chest, the neckline as well as the sheer sleeves suddenly too revealing for Ever’s liking.
“I do trust you Kayan, and frankly, I like you more than I do most Fae.” She admitted with a small smile. “I wish more Fae were like you, then maybe we can let go of what happened in the past and start moving forwards.”
Kayan nodded along to her words, keeping his eyes gazing out at the lights of the city. He stifled a laugh at her previous statement but simply shook his head, tapping a finger on the railing.
“There are some like me, I can reassure you of that much,” he replied, voice as honest as he had ever heard it. “A few, back in my home village. It’s just— the worst of us are who the stories are told about. Haven’t you heard that one fable before? About that fae who saved a sailor?”
He cocked his head, looking back over to Evers before continuing.
“Of course, it’s very typical, and much like a fable suggests: it ends poorly. Not for the human, though. For the fae…”
Kayan paused for a brief moment, seeming to think. His cloak waved as his wings fluttered lightly inside of it, and he raised a brow.
“You know, now that I think about it, maybe that wasn’t the best example. But you get my point, no?”
She’s offered him a soft smile and nodded “yes, I do, and that particular story is one I do know about Fae, though I do agree with you, not the best example. She gazed a thick the landscape of the city for a brief moment before turning back to him. “I know there are good Fae out there, like yourself, trying to live the best life they can while also being a decent being. I apparently seem to only encounter those that aren’t as kind to human kind as did the rest of my family. Though I’m glad I get some sort of break from those Fae.” She took a deep breath of night air and let her arms fall to her side, in her hand, The moon once again twirled between her fingertips.
“I’m flattered,” he replied, and while his words were teasing, he couldn’t bring himself to smile.
He turned back to Evers, closing his emerald eyes for just a moment. It was a quick decision made, a quick shift of attitude when he continued.
“You know… Fae aren’t just horrible to humans,” Kayan continued, shaking his head. When he stopped, he let his eyes rest on the horizon again. “Fae are just as horrible to other Fae.”
He took a long pause of silence, his sigh almost as long.
“I’m sure you can piece it together. You’re bright, Evers.” He nodded down to her, eyes seemingly filled with more melancholy than anything else. “My family… my village… well, it wasn’t the work of humans, I can tell you that much. They hated us. Hated my family, the most. We’re part of a dying line… and they want to make sure it’s dead for good. Joana and I… we were the last ones. And it was all my fault— the whole thing. And that is why she latched on to Maximus instead of myself. She knows what I did.”
His head dipped, palms sliding off the railing like he had let go of the anvil on his chest. “My apologies for not going into trifling detail, but that is all I would be capable of saying without…”
Breaking, he finished inaudibly.
Evers remained silent for the majority of the time Kayan spoke. She knew not ever Fae was like the court, glad that they were some still out there that were actually kind towards everyone. It broke her heart to hear that nearly everyone Kayan’s village and family had died due to hatred. She shook her head when he said it was all his fault and when he apologized.
“I refuse to believe that you had all the fault, if any, when it comes unto your sister. And don’t you dare apologies. Not to me and especially for the death of others you had barely any control in. You have no obligation to tell me anything, especially something such as that.”
(I have no clue how i just fell off the face of the planet for a bit?? I’m so sorry for not getting a reply up!!)
It took Kayan a bit to muster up enough energy to reply.
“I wish I could take your words with as much truth as you say them with.” It was a short reply, the words almost forced. “I’m not going to go down the whole ‘you don’t know me, you don’t know what I’ve done’ path, but there were certain situations in which I believe I could have done more. I try to live free of regrets, love, but I’m only human. Or— fae, I suppose. However the saying goes.”
It was a moment of contemplating before he could look back over to Evers, his mind filled with the desperation to change the subject. It was information he hadn’t told anyone, and while it may have felt good to get off his chest— especially with someone like Evers— it was not her burden to bear.
“Anyway, if you’ll excuse me, I… I must be.. going soon,” he said quite suddenly, adjusting his coat for the hundredth time. It wasn’t entirely a lie, but something close. Part of it was an overwhelming urge to jump off the balcony and finally stretch his wings, and the other part was desperation to leave the conversation— the only viable excuse being business elsewhere.
(It’s okay! Glad to see you’re back!)
“Kayan pl-“ Evers stopped short of replying as Kayan made his abrupt departure, both from the party and from their conversation.
She knew the topic was sensitive, she had had many experiences where sensitive topics were suddenly brought up in her reading sessions. Some were truly the clients fault, some were not. Why she felt the sudden need to to convince Kayan what had happened in the past was not his fault, more than convince but to show him, she didn’t know.
She had already started through the crowd to follow Kayan, determined to try and get through to him when she felt and hand latch on to her. She’s glanced over her shoulder, ready to defend herself from the guard from earlier.
“Ev, we gotta go now.” Tori said, not realizing Ever’s momentary desperation since she was looking over her own shoulder, seemingly searching for someone.
Ever’s worry for Kayan momentarily was replaced with concern for something larger. “Tori whats going on?” She demanded, adjusting her hold on her friends hand so that they wouldn’t get separated if it wasn’t a true emergency.
“Her Highness is here.” Tori whispered, both in awe and horror. “We have to go.” She repeated, finally turning to Evers and nudging her to the door. “Where’s Kayan? Is he staying?” She asked as she stuck close to Evers as they made their way through the crowd going towards the front of the ballroom.
“N-no, he left a few moments ago.” She replied, searching in front of her in case she caught a glimpse of him.
Tori only nodded as they pushed through the doors and made their way down the stairway to the waiting carriages.
“Arias village, stat.” Tori said the driver, tossing him a few silver as she got into the carriage after Evers.
Kayan, head down to blend with the crowd, silently blessed the mask on his face. The talking around drowned out Evers’s calls, thank the lord, because it took all he had not to turn around and make some kind of mistake.
He was being dramatic, and he knew that. Maybe it wasn’t a big deal. Maybe it wasn’t his fault. And maybe Evers could convince him of that, but he felt like sulking. It was easier this way.
He made it out of the castle, but not before a familiar voice called from behind.
He was in an empty hallway, the only company being a few guards around the entrances. His mind had been so loud he hadn’t even noticed the lull of the party, and the shifting footsteps behind him.
It was dark, but as he turned around, he could make out that figure. Or, those figures, he supposed.
“Well, look who it is. I never thought I’d see you here again, Rea.”
The voice was clear, sharp around the edges as it pierced through the silence. The only accompaniment was her heels clicking on the marble floor, growing closer each second. Through the columns the moon shone, a play of light and shadow upon her face.
Kayan couldn’t help but plaster on that stupid smile of his.
“Queen,” he murmured, bowing as low as he could without it being noticeable. With expert hands, he slipped a button off his boot, keeping it laced in his fingers.
The guards behind her stayed where they were, eyes straight forward, locked on every move he made.
“Pleasure to see you—“
“Is it, now?” she asked, the purr in her voice prominent.
Kayan stayed silent, eyes locked on the queen’s as she finally stopped before him.
“Of course. Always,” he replied.
It was a quick glint in her eye, but Kayan noticed it nonetheless. Some kind of intense notion that he couldn’t place. Hatred, was it? No, it was too dull for hatred.
She radiated some kind of inherent urge, and he couldn’t figure it out. Her eyes were set, her body uncannily still.
He had to get out of here. Quickly.
Evers glanced over her shoulder as the driver opened the carriage door and offered his hand. “Forgive me ladies, but no carriage is to leave at this moment.” Evers could see over the driver’s head as the guard from before smirked before he promptly turned on his heal And went inside. She glared down at the driver, thinking that he wore the same smirk on his face, but to her surprise, he didn’t. He looked as scared as she felt. She gently took his hand and stepped out of the carriage, Tory following behind her.
“Her majesty awaits inside. Please join the others. I will be here once you are allowed to go.” He bowed and turned back to tend to the horses.
Evers sighed softly, glancing at Tory as she looped their arms together. “Think we can make it back out to Thebes garden and run for it?”
Despite her growing dread, Evers smiled. “In these goes and shoes? Along with the dozens of guard probably surrounding the place now? I doubt it.” Tory nodded and started up the stairs. Evers pulled on her mask as she followed sticking close to her as they found a place to stand near at the center of The ballroom, a good spot to keep track of the Queen’s movements and to scout for any escapes if they needed. Evers scanned the area, looking for Kai. If no one was allowed to leave the palace while the Queen was now present, it had to be possible that Kayan hadn’t left either. Or at least she hoped. After not finding him for a few moments, she turned her attention to the front of the room, where a guard announced her royal majesty’s presence.
Kayan was no stranger when it came to sleight of hand. He just.. had to pull this off. As flawlessly as he could.
The button from his boot stayed clenched in his hand, digging itself into his skin and leaving a diminutive circle indent.
His eyes were everywhere but on the woman before him, mostly taking in the guards. Kayan was okay with making enemies this time around, because he no longer carried a kingdom behind him. He was a stranger to his home, so it wouldn’t be in danger if he were to take out these two guards now. But… he had a better idea.
It wasn’t cowardly to run.
The guards had swords, to be expected. Although the one on the right had something akin to one of Kayan’s pistols. Perfect. At least that guard would notice a glint in the dark, and know what it meant.
“So… how may I help you?” As Kai spoke, to advert attention, he flicked out the button with as much force as he possibly could. It buzzed through the air, hitting some pillar behind the four and clinking to the ground.
Just as Kayan thought, the guards were so high-strung with protecting the Queen that they wheeled around, noticed the metal sparkling in the moonlight, and grabbed the woman to take cover.
“Bullets!” the one who had the pistol shouted, but by that time, Kayan was already sprinting down the corridor.
“Idiot! That’s not a bullet! It’s a.. metal.. button?” the other growled, picking himself up off the floor. The Queen stayed silent as the men started to bicker, simply listening after the fae’s retreating footsteps.
“I didn’t even hear a shot!”
“S-Sorry… I saw the metal, and I thought—“
“I know, I know!—“
“Guards.” The Queen immediately silenced them both.
“Do you want us to go after him?” one asked.
She took a moment to consider, but shook her head.
“No. Knowing Kayan, he’s here for something. And based on the way he reacted, he hasn’t found it yet. He won’t be leaving here anytime soon…. make sure of that.”
The guards both nodded in unison.
Meanwhile, Kayan kept up his pace— yet just as he made it to the exit, he took a sharp detour. If Evers was still here, he needed to grab her and get the hell out. He didn’t know… why. It was just a gut feeling, that something was going to go horribly wrong for him tonight.
“E-Ever—,” he shouted, but his voice dimmed as he bust into the ballroom. Everyone else had been quiet, awaiting the queen’s arrival. If Kai hadn’t been so set on finding Evers, he might have been embarrassed. From the top of the stairs, he leaned over the balcony, looking for a familiar face in the crowd.
Everyone had been lovely, full of chatter and excitement as they waited to receive her royal Highness up on the balcony. Evers has the right mind to keep her mouth shut, only speaking when Tory tried to engage. They had to look normal after all, and complete silence was just asking for suspicion. Whenever someone else tried to talk to Evers, Tory would step in, saying that she was extremely tired or just didn’t speak the language. It sometimes worked, though she could see from the ways the gusts slowly turned from not all were convinced.
Eventually everyone turned their attention up towards the balcony as the doors were thrown open. Fantastic, the queen wanted to be dramatic about it. Evers kept her eyes glued forwards, staring down an image of some nobleman painting across the room. Did she know who they were? Nope. Would she stare at it until they were allowed to go? You bet. The only time she broke the stare was when Tory sharply dug her nails into her arm. Evers glared a time her friend, truly not in the mood for small talk. She just wanted to go home and forget the night even happened. “Tory, I don’t care about that…individual.” He whispered, keeping it vague so no one around suspected anything.
“Oh, I think you do. You seemed to care quite a bit for him before.”
“Him? Tory-“
Tory sighed and forced Evers to look up at the balcony.
“Kai?” She whispered, slowly breaking away from her friend, her gaze locked into him as she made her way to the stairs that connected the two floors.
Kayan’s smile grew as he locked eyes with Evers, pure relief flooding his expression. There may have been something else there, too. Some kind of playful, sheepish breathy laugh that had “help, I made a mistake” written all over it.
“Evers!” he practically yelled, nearly falling down the stairs. “Where’s your friend— Tory, right? We gotta… skip town, if you know what I mean. The Queen’s coming, but there might be a slight delay.”
He was breathing a little rougher but nothing he couldn’t hide— and although his words were frantic, he could mask them well enough. It wasn’t long before he took Evers by the arm, practically dragging her through the crowd.
“So, I may have done something slightly questionable,” he murmured, leaning down so he could whisper. “I completely understand if you’d like to be left out of this. In that case, I can just kind of… leave by myself. They wouldn’t know you’re affiliated with me, and you’d be completely innocent. But… I do know how much you seemed to despise the woman. You and Tory can skip with me, make another enemy, or stay and claim your innocence.”
He kept the words mostly vague, but anyone with common intuition could probably deduce what he was talking about. Especially as two familiar guards walked in from above, taking their stations as a special someone strode through.
All around them, people silenced. Silenced and stopped moving, so Kayan had to do the same to lesson the attention they inevitably drew.
Wait… they weren’t chasing him? He could swear the guards recognized him. Did the Queen order them not to pursue? That didn’t seem like her style, whatsoever.
Regardless, Kayan just had to stay put for now, and see how things played out. All while forgetting he was holding onto Evers, perhaps a little too tightly.
“Skip town?” She was so glad she wore her mask, knowing that her facial expression would give away her worry. She followed close as Kai pulled her back towards the crowd. “Kai what did you do?” She glanced over her shoulder, expecting to find guards trailing after then. When she surprising saw none, she focused her attention back to Kayan. She almost laughed at his comment “She was already an enemy when she ordered my mother and sister to be burned. I will never be innocent, no as long as I’m alive.”
Evers fell silent as those around her, knowing exactly who had arrived. She took comfort in Kaunas hold, grounding her to the now instead of watching her beloved family die in front of her while she’s hid in the forest across from their old home. She found the painting of the nobleman again and stared it down, blocking out the queens voice as she began to thank her subjects for coming to the ball…the same voice that gave the order to burn all witches and ban the use of magic. She glared away from the painting as Tory found the two and touched her arm. She smirked over at Kai “I’m assuming you had something to do with her highness’ foul mood?” She nodded approvingly “I knew I liked you.” She gently nudged Evers, and offered a small smile “keep looking at the painting like that and it’ll burst into flames.” Evers shrugged, straightening in place “can’t, remember magic is banned.” She replied coldly, giving one glare at the queen. Any idea Kayan had about defying the Queen she was absolutely on board with.
