(1867-09-06) Masqueing Burdens
Masqueing Burdens
Summary: As Clara and Emilia take a bit of a break from helping in the aftermath of the tornado, they discuss a return home, some things that are weighing on Emilia's mind and the newly announced masque.
Date: 1867-09-06
Related: Prayers, Oils and Just a Little Bloodletting and Ostvor Tourney: Awards Ball
Players:
Clara  Emilia  

Rented Manse - Ostvor - Couviere
See scene.
1867-09-06

With enough Cassomirs having planned to attend the tournament in Ostvor, they had rented a manse for the duration. Something they had actually shared with several of their vassals (that Sidhe blade had drawn many knights!), and also thankfully something that had taken only some mild wind damage with the recent storm and the tornado it had spawned. With the damage that had been dealt to the castle, especially the outer rooms were many of the guests had been given quarters (cause windows!), Emilia had offered some of the remaining rooms in the rented manse to Clara to use until the wait times for the faegates might lessen. An offer that was also extended to Emilia’s cousin Alaina, even if Clara should choose to keep quarters with Tristan and Eliana.

It was several days since the tornado had laid low several portions of the city, efforts to uncover survivors had slowed as now most knew it was purely recovery now. Chances of finding anyone else alive had grown slim. Many had spent the past days aiding in the searches, or simply doing what they could to move debris. It had been little different for Emilia and many others in the manse, ever dutiful in helping, even when not within Rivana.

Which was to say, a bit of rest and respite was long overdue, and thus this afternoon saw Emilia and Clara in one of the small rooms. A tray with a simple lunch fare for the pair. “They have been saying that the wait between openings of the faegate is reaching near of an hour between, sometimes of longer. That is of why things are taking so of long. Of admittedly, I am not minding of staying a bit of longer.” Which may be slightly odd, Emilia not wishing to get right home. As Clara was one of those few who knew it was harder upon Emilia the longer she was parted from home, or more so the Mother to the Shadow within her.

—-

The extra entertainment provided by the forces of Nature certainly had caused havoc with Ostvor. The castle itself had been rather damaged, with those outer windows all a shambles and anything within those rooms that wasn’t secured either a tattered mess or simply vanished…claimed by the tornado. And…Clara’s room was no exception. Her dresses, most of them at any rate, were shredded by the flying glass or just plain missing. Along with various bits of sundry…a hair brush, some ribbon, and other items that she had used to make herself presentable for not only for the Couvieri nobility…but the Imperial contingent, as well. All that…was gone. What wasn’t was the chest that Clara had packed previously. A chest that contain items a little less suited for socializing and more appropriate for Clara’s other pursuits. Her leather armor, her longbow, a couple extra outfits (though hardly princess attire), her spending coins. Also, nestled in the chest, is the items she had purchased with said coins….a pair of lightsilver daggers. The very same pair that won the artistic competition…a gift to be given later. It was this chest that was saved and taken to Clara’s new temporary lodgings at the rented manse with the Cassomirs. A set of rooms that she insisted she share with Alaina, much to the Lancer’s chagrin.

Alaina herself is not to be seen presently…with the two friends sitting in the room by themselves. No doubt coordinating yet again with her cousins details for guarding the manse and assisting with the cleanup. Clara is dressed in an ensemble just recently purchased from the Mercat district…which survived the wind storm with minimal damage. It is certainly more reserved than she would have normally, in the Couvieri style, but it suits her…and it is better for the Rivanan princess to be seen in something other than leather armor. Fingers curl around a glass of just water as Clara speaks. “Yes, I heard that it was taking some time. What with the destruction coupled with the other issues of the faegates.” She, of course, is referring to the seemingly rougher travel sessions that have been bringing about more sickness as of late. “I did send a missive to Alysande and Jaren, assuring them both that we are completely safe and sound…though I cannot imagine receiving a reply anytime soon.” A sip of water is taken, as Clara pauses…looking out the window to view a bit of the noble circle..watching the recovery efforts still proceeding. “I feel terrible for Ostvor right now. To think…such a thing happening at the height of the tournament. And, my poor uncle, err…Duke Cesare. Such a nasty blow to the head. Though, I hear from Elaida, he is doing better. One bless her for helping as she did.”

Then, a turn from the window to regard Emilia. “You are not in a hurry to go home?” Home, in this case, is Ironhold, which Emilia may pick up on. “They have been manageable then.” A statement…not a question, though Clara does not elaborate on what she means. Emilia knows well enough. “Well…as long as Alaina approves, I think I will stay here for just a little longer myself. I really feel like I should be doing more to help. Even it is getting down in the dirt and pushing away brick after brick.” A small smile touches Clara’s lips. “Like Tiadora. One above, she surprises. Strong in more than just character.” A compliment, given freely. Clara has obviously heard about the Gerrell’s efforts.

—-

“Of aye, I have heard of a few that are not minding of the delays, simply to delay of having to go through of the gates.” Emilia does pause before she looks to Clara and actually asks,”Has it of really been getting so much of worse? Going through of one?” Not that faegate sickness was ever a thing to look forward to…But Clara was only person Emilia could actually ask that question to in order to gauge how much worse the sickness seemed to be, as Lon was as affected by the faegate sickness as Emilia was. “Of aye, I would not be of expecting of a response, I of imagine they are quite of busy,” cause new baby, well wishers, continued Alhazred presence and so forth. “But I am of sure the Queen was of relieved to receive of word you were of ok.” Still doubtful said Queen would care either way about herself, or if so…only because Jaren would have care. Emilia was after all the expendable, unwanted Cassomir.

A brow raises just a touch,”It is just being of us, you do not have to use of titles,” giving Clara her own little 'speech’ it would seem,” he is being of your uncle and you can call him of so if you wish.” Emilia was not Liam, she was one of the last who would be judging Clara on matters of titles and protocols. “I am of glad he is of doing of well. Lady of Alina mentioned he was of expected to make of a full of recovery. But that there was some of watching with the head of wound he had taken.” There was a small bruise that remained as a reminder to Emilia’s own injury, though it did blend well enough with her hairline now.

“Of aye, Tiadora is much of stronger and of capable than she is often of seeing herself to be.” A trait that is likely shared amongst the trio in various degrees and forms. “It has of sounded that so many of us staying and trying to of helped has been of surprising to some of Couviere. But as long as she does not of see of threat to you,”least nothing more than normal,”I do not of imagine my cousin will have issue if you of remain and give of what aid is of possible.”

There is actually a sigh that comes before Emilia addresses the matter of home, Them. “No, I am not of in a hurry to of return. And no, They are not so of manageable.” There is a slight pause before she speaks further,”They have been of…displeased since Sirrah was of visiting me just before of leaving for tournament. And They have been of expressing Their of displeasure that such of storms do not of happen back of home, and that it did not reach so far.” Meaning They did not hear Her as surely They ought to with any storm, especially one so powerful. And chaotic. There is finally an explanation given of just why Sirrah has upset Them,”Sirrah has found of this….ritual…that she of believes will fix of me by of forcing Them from me.” Sounds pleasant, right? Adding softly,”Or it may of kill me.” Not that this actually explains why she wants to delay going home.

—-

“A bit. Not terribly bad, though. The longer wait times seems to help, at least from what I was hearing.” There is a light shrug from Clara. “Though an hour wait time seems awfully long. Still, it is better than trying to make the journey over land.” Clara glances over to Emilia. “None of them are as smooth as the one we wandered through before.” Clara doesn’t feel the need to specify which one…as she and Emilia were the only ones that remembered that particular faegate, as far as Clara knows. “But each one has varying degrees of faegate sickness. Usually the farther you go, the worse it is.” There is a slight pause, as Clara shifts topics slightly. “Yes, I would imagine that King and Queen would be rather busy at the moment. But I rather than they receive the news that we are well sooner than later. We certainly do not need Alysande fretting over us now that she has her new little one to care for as well.”

It is rare and somewhat amusing to have Clara’s own pontifications given back to her. She allows herself a small smile as her eyes shift down demurely to the table, where she places her water glass. “It is still hard to break the habit, Emilia. Being here, in Ostvor…in Couviere. It brings back all the old habits and mannerisms. And the mindset that I am still that little girl from Varna. And…to her, it is his Grace, Duke Cesare l’Corren. Not ‘Uncle Cesare’. Though…I should visit him. As a niece would visit her uncle. Maybe…maybe that will help to chase away the ghosts of the former life. Dispel the specter of little Clara t’Myrin.”

Clara shifts, turning more fully towards Emilia. “I am glad that your injury is fading. I was worried about you for a moment or two there.” Then…a chuckle breaks through Clara’s own stoic mein. “Okay…maybe for a lot longer than a moment or two.” The princess listens as Emilia details the malevolent force within has been restless…which only further proves Emilia’s resistance and strength, in Clara’s eyes. “I…haven’t seen signs of Them this tournament. Though, I have been mostly diplomatic and not around as much. It is a testament to your fortitude.” But…then Emilia drops the ritual comment. So calmly and quietly adding that it very well may kill her as cure her. And, this time, Clara is paying attention and doesn’t miss the reference. “Kill you? We…we can’t have that! Why, what good would such a chance be if it takes your life?” Clara’s voice softens, barely a whisper. “If…that is the case, then you should have stayed with the Last. At least…then you would live.” Oh, it appears that someone is feeling a little guilty, as if Clara had influence over Emilia’s decision to return from their little unexpected excursion so long ago.

—-

Quite so, there was no need to specify, even if they were all smooth and effortless for Emilia, she was well aware that one gate, /the/ gate, had been much easier upon Clara then any other gate ever used. “I of wonder why there are of such changes happen with of using them,” muses Emilia softly. “What has of been changing….as Lon was of saying that of before,” likes ages and ages ago,” none had such of sickness in using them.” Truly ages ago, since mortal memory and history did not seem to know this. Though Emilia did know there were varying degrees of sickness, she had to fake the right level when she travelled after all! The matter of Jaren and the Queen draws but a faint nod, Emilia not offering anything further on that accord. For now.

There is just a faint upwards tug at the corners of Emilia to see Clara’s demure reaction. “I of know, that is why I was of reminding of you. And I know it is not easy of you, these of visits to of Couviere because of such reminders and of memories.” She could empathize, even in a different vein, as she knew well the power of memories. “I think you should of visit. He strikes me as of someone who would like of such, he seems quite of close and of caring with his family. I of bet he would like the of gesture and perhaps have of further moments to get to know his of niece.” The gentle turn of encouragement offered, along with one added bit of support,”I could of accompany of you, if you wished?”

The other topic does bring an admission,”I of had worry as of well,” not that it ever showed,” the of goblet was of distracting, as a wallop upside the head would be,” and when mine skirts started to get taken up be the wind, I did of worry I would not catch up with you.” Ever. A slight nod happens,”I am not of sure that would have been the case…the lack of signs, without all of the help and lessons that Lon has given of me.” The focus and techniques he had been teaching her had very likely saved her from an entirely different fate with everything that had happened in the past year. The added strength of will and mind focus that had resulted. Much to Their dismay.

A proverbial breath was held in awaiting Clara’s reaction. And there is such relief at the understanding, comprehension in Clara’s response. It is not visible, but it is likely something Clara does feel all the same…that wave of relief that washes over Emilia, a turn of built up tension and distress that is eased in simply having someone who understands. The spirit sister that was given to her in that fateful faegate 'mishap’. “I…have thought of that often. That this is of my price for not of accepting His of offer. “ She pauses before admitting,”I prayed of so, that I would be of again sent to that of gate instead of here. I pray for such of a fate when I must of return. Even if I know such is not of likely to of be.”

She takes a deep breath before continuing,”She will want of an answer before long, they all will,” most likely meaning certain siblings. “As she has said she trust no of other to perform of it but her….and she grows no younger. So I cannot of delay an answer forever. Even if they say it is of up to me, they will not of understand…that I do not wish to do this. It risks of her life of too…And…” Emilia’s dark eyes look to Clara, a rare thing to be found there…fear,” they cannot know of the pain to come for me. That which I went of through to become of this…will of pale in of compassion. They of promise me of this. “ She shakes her head, trying to push aside that rising motion, the chatter of Them as the matter is discussed, the promises and threats that They continue to make. “Sirrah says the of chance for…success is of greater than of failure…or she would not be of suggesting of it. But of failure…death is what I do not of fear…it is of the other possibility, of what else I could of become, could of be in of the end. To be left of such a husk that so many already of see me…or of worse the monster I was of supposed to be…or of like Her. “ Yes…it would seem Emilia has had a lot more than usual upon her mind. And it has just all poured out in one fell whoosh.

—-

The topic of family, at least Clara’s family, is brushed to the side for the time being. What is more important, at least to the mind of the Princess, is the crossroads her friend finds herself on, with choices dark and menacing. And it is apparent that it weighs heavy in Emilia’s thoughts, as the sudden rush of emotion, even if delivered in the usual Cassomir deadpan, is palpable. Regret, contemplation, and most of all fear….all at once. It is cause to ignore the lunch before the two, as Clara focuses her attention solely upon Emilia. “If I could, I would share in this burden you carry. I cannot imagine what you must be enduring, right at this moment. But, if I cannot carry the burden you bear, then at least I can carry you.” There is a pause, oh so brief, before Clara continues. “I will help. Be it as a voice of reason, to attempt to convince the Archbishop or your siblings of the dangers…of what They promise will happen. Or in other means. Even if, against all wishes, the exorcism, such as it is, is performed. I will be there…and…do whatever you ask of me.” Clara’s voice drops to a murmur, softly intoning. “It is the least that I can do. And…I am willing to do much more.”

Then…Clara looks up…and around, as if looking for someone. “You don’t suppose…” Then, with a sigh, she offers a weary smile. “I suppose not. He said He watches, but seldom journeys outside his domain. So, we cannot divine a course of action from him.” The ambiguous pronoun usage isn’t explained…but there isn’t any need to. “He would probably just offer a vague answer in regards to pathways unseen anyways.” A hand reaches out, resting on Emilia’s knee. “In any case, whichever path taken will see us both. I wasn’t about to leave you behind in the maze. I am not about to leave you behind now.”

—-

A burden shared was a burdened lessened, it was a thing that had been impressed upon Emilia several times since the truth had come out about what had happened to her, what burden she truly carried. For others to know, to gain the aid she had in the time since /had/ helped. Yet she did struggle to speak sometimes of what weighed upon her. For how could the burden ever truly be shared? And…someone else actually saw that, it was her burden to shoulder. Emilia was giving a slightly quizzical look to the other half as Samwise..er…Clara spoke of carrying her instead. “Clara…the Archbishop knows of the risks and of dangers, she is of the one who has of told of me the possibilities and even of the risk to of herself. She of knows and still of thinks it worth of pursuing, of taking of this path. And you of know my siblings have always thought any path of hope should be of pursued. “ She takes a faint breath,” And what of Lonar? He knew of the other of path, said he was of pleased that I can of back…. and yet he helped of the Sirrah with of this path. He has given of his support to of her for of it. Does he of want this of for me? He claims me as of mate….but I am not even of knowing what that even of /means/ to him! What I of mean to of him.” Cause for all the responsibility that rests on her shoulders, the maturity with which she handles it all…the strength she has shown…Emilia still has what may well be almost normal-ish worries in her love life, which in and of itself is certainly not normal.

A hand reaches for one of Clara’s, a squeeze given. “I am of thanking, I know you would do of more…if there was of more that could be of done. But you do of much already….it is much to have someone who is understanding. And knows what is struggled of with.” Who actually knew this was not the first chance she had been given to be 'cured’. Emilia’s lips twitch briefly into what might be a frown. “She will not of allow it….if the ritual of occurs, for you to be of there. Sirrah said she would only of allow those who could of protect of themselves…from of me, of Her….as it would be of occurring at the ruins.” She hesitates softly before admitting,”And I would not wish to of endanger you of so….or have you ensure to of watch what They would do to of me.” In truth, Emilia did not want Raelyn or Jaren there to see what might come…but she doubted, if things came to pass….she would truly have say in that.

Emilia’s dark eyes give a faint look around when Clara does. But she is already shaking her head,”There is no of counting on such of a thing. Even if He of watches, I of doubt He is always of watching.” Certainly not every moment. “And He watches cause we of entertain…what is to of say this does not of entertain Him?” She could certainly not say what He might find entertaining or not. And Lon had said the Sidhe were fickle with their interests…perhaps He had even lost interest by now. Emilia’s hand drifting to settle a top Clara’s as it rests on her knee. “I of know you will of be with me, which ever of path. Even if I did not of know of it then, when I made of my choice, I know of it now. “ Which may well come to color her decision now in ways it could not then! “Mine-spirit sister.”

—-

A soft smile is given as Clara listens to Emilia. The Tracano listens as Emilia tells her about how the Church, the Changeling, and the rest of the Cassomirs all think that Emilia should proceed with this questionable procedure. She listens as Emilia details how Clara may not be allowed to take part or even observe the event…about how Emilia doesn't want to risk Clara’s well-being. And…finally, she listens as the two hypothesize about the Last Sidhe…about what entertainment they may have brought, if they entertained one such as Him at all. All of this Clara listens to, without comments or passing judgement. It is only when Emilia pauses that Clara ventures to offer her own opinions upon the subject. And…as Emilia is well aware…Clara is very opinionated.

“Would you like to know what I think?” It is a very rhetorical question as Clara is going to provide an answer regardless. “I think that, of all the concerns that you brought up, the only concerns that were really your own, and not someone else's, was that I not be present for this exorcism that you are talking about. I haven’t heard on if you really want to go through with it.” A moment’s respite is taken, as Clara’s fingertips gently squeeze the knee they hold captive. “You are worried about everyone else and what they think. Including me. But…they are not you. They do not understand what it is like living with Them within your head. How could they? Even the Last himself said that you are unique amongst all of creation. So, what does that mean now?” With that, Clara’s smile widens some, as she leans in closer to Emilia. “It means you toss away all of the outside distractions and listen to what you, and only you, want. For, ultimately, it is solely your decision.” There is a slight giggle as Clara adds. “Including me. I will try to not influence your decision, but provide support for what you do decide. And…you know how I love meddling with Cassomirs…” A small jest, but one that perhaps does help to lighten the mood, at least for a bit.

After a moment of hesitation, Clara adds a caveat. “I will even respect your wishes and not attend if that is what you want. Though, I must warn you. I will do whatever I can to assist. As a spirit-sister, it is my duty.” The princess closes her eyes, tilting her head up proudly as she speaks. “And Sirrah will find out just how determined a princess of Rivana can be…but, even moreso, she will see just how stubborn I am. Clara Tracano not-t’Myrin.” One eye opens, flickering over to Emilia as a sly little grin overtakes her features. “Because I can be very, very persuasive when I want to be.” A fact Emilia knows all too well.

—-

Those dark eyes focus on Clara and there is simply that rather stoic gaze being turned upon the Tracano when she finally asks that question. The look and nothing more, cause Emilia does know that it matters not how she answers it, Clara is going to tell her what she thinks. Which really, Emilia did invite, if not ask for that opinion…the One help her.

She does listen quietly to her friend’s thoughts on the whole matter. Her head tilting just a little at one point, but it was ever hard to tell just what was going on in that noggin of hers (perhaps a good thing really, it could be a bit of a war zone sometimes) with that rather stoic mien of hers. “You cannot of say you would not be doing of the same….worrying over what others are of thinking, of wishing. How it would of be impacting of them.” There is a slight look as if almost daring Clara to deny it. A slight sigh actually slips,”What I of want? I do not want to be doing of this….to of endure of it. I do not know if I have the strength for of it…and so much of risk. But what if this is being the only other of way? What if there are no other of options?” There was so much to weigh and a rather life altering decision to make. No matter the outcome, if she pursued the path…she would be changed.

There is a small twitch at the corners of her lips,”I of know to of well how you love to of meddle with Cassomirs.” But then she is shaking her head a little,”I would not wish for Raelyn or of Jaren to be of there if it were to come to of pass. But I am not of thinking what I of wish in of that will be of asked. Though of perhaps Jaren would not be allowed such of a risk now.” Overruled by that 'higher’ power know as his wife and Queen. “Do not of let her grandmotherly of persona of fool you, Sirrah is most of steely and stubborn of herself and has been having many more of years of practice at of it.”

“Of aye, you are most of persuasive when you of wish to of be. This is why I am now of having at least two of cousins that are now of keen upon of dresses. “ Emilia just gives Clara that look. Yes, she said two. It had not escaped her notice…a certain Lancer Cousin actually looking a little too pleased in her banquet attire. “Do you of think if I were to try and go to that of masque, things might of again happen like of the first of time? To of end up of diverted and not of delivered to the masque?” She can hope….right?

—-

There isn't a denying of anything from the Tracano. In fact…there is a confirmation, as Clara nods slightly. "Yes…I would worry about what others thought. But…I would still do what I thought was best, anyways. What works for me." There is a tip of a wink as she says that, then settles back. "I am familiar with those of rather strong willpower. They are not completely untouchable, you know." Another sly smile…which dissipates into a red blush as Emilia brings up Clara's Lancer guard. "You…noticed that. Don't tell Alaina. She thought she was not that obvious."

"The masque…" The switch to the event discussion was unexpected…until Emilia's question is asked. "I don't know if it will work that way. He…didn't say that He actually had anything to do with pulling us in. It was fate itself…totally unexpected." Clara releases Emilia's knee and leans back. "But…it may be possible. Every time we go through the gate, I keep thinking we might end up back there. So…yes…it is possible, though I don't know how likely it will be."

—-

A mild nod of Emilia's head occurs, echoing faintly, "Of aye, what you thought was of best." There was a difference sometimes between what one wanted and what they thought was best. That stoic gaze returning to Clara,"I am quite of aware they are not of untouchable, just don't go and be telling of everyone of that. It is of how rumors get of started you of know." Ever deadpan, the mood seeming to lighten some, it would seem. She raises a brow just a fraction,"Of course, I was of noticing. And do not of worry, I won't say of anything to of her."

"Of aye, I of know it is not likely to work of that way and that He was of surprised by of the visit. I do not of imagine it would be much of likely, but if of any of time…We were of going to of a masque of the last of time. " Emilia gives a small shake of her head, she knew it was a far fetched idea…hope. Escape from this decision would not come, certainly not that form. It was a chance that was well past and would not be had again. "But even of still, I of assume you…we…will end up of going to of this of announced of masque."

—-

"We?" The eyebrow raises slightly in mild interest. "You want to go to the masque?" Clara settles back in the chair. "I was planning on going, yes…because we missed the last one. But, I haven't really thought too hard on it. Did you want to coordinate, like we tried last time?" There is a light laugh from the princess. "Like that worked last time. Say…maybe if we plan on a theme, then the Fates will do what they can to disrupt it."

—-

"Of aye, we…I did of figure you would wish to go, or in some of way be of required." Political social obligations. "I am not entirely of sure I want to be of going. But there is that of impossible of chance in of going through the gate." Emilia gives a small shrug, even if possible, it was worth a shot. Maybe. "But I was of thinking, it could be of interesting to actually see what such was of like…least of the once." Canting her head a little,"Did you have of a theme in of mind? As I of admit…I had of pondered the of last time, before you had of the idea to dress of similar to…well..be of something that is true to of me. Since the of masque is about being of free to be of ourselves."

—-

Clara shakes her head. "I haven't really had any clear ideas. All I had in mind was the Last. You know…in Goblyn King attire. And, I don't think I can do that….I am not exactly the right gender for that." She pauses, tilting her head as she regards Emilia. "You have something in mind? I don't think our nymph idea would work…that was more me…and not you. Maybe, this time, I work off of your theme."

—-

Emilia cants her head as she studies Clara a little bit. "If that is what you of wanted…I do not think it would be of difficult to of do. Get of the right of wig for of the hair, as I do not of think we could make of your hair that of white, not for one of night only. And with the right of robes." Her head straightening back as she talks. "It would of go..in of a way, with what I had once of considered. As I had of thought to go as of the Widow. It is certainly of something I know of well and could of manage without any of trouble."

—-

There is a second look from Clara to her friend. A look of incredulous surprise. Though, it is uncertain whether it is to the idea of Emilia dressing as the Widow…or Clara dressing as the Sidhe. There is a prolonged silence..before Clara speaks again. "The Widow and the Goblyn King. You don't think we would offend one or both?" However…as Clara sits and considers…the more that the idea seems to warm up to her. "Well…if there is anyone that can dress for either of those two accurately…it would be us." There is more thought as Clara starts to piece it together. "I can make the outfits….if you can add the artistic touches each one would need." Then, as an afterthought. "That is…if you wanted to."

—-

As that silence lingers on, Emilia does not seek to break it, but she is studying Clara. Perhaps trying to discern just what Clara might be thinking. "I would of say, the Widow might actually like of it, all of considering. Least where I am of concerned." The weird relationship that existed there. "Of the Goblyn King…I cannot of say. Perhaps it would simply of be another turn of entertainment for of Him, if He even of notices." There is a slight moment of consideration before Emilia nods,"I could add of such to them. Especially if you wished of the proper of symbols upon of the robe. Not that any of one is likely to know of them for what they of are." Her fingers lightly tap at the table,"I would of say the Goblyn King would of ensure the Banshee's wail is not of heard, but…that is not of a connection that would be of known beyond of us."

—-

There is a wave of a hand as Clara disregards the Last and his amusement factor. "Well….He probably won't even notice. I mean, since when has he ever shown interest in a bunch of people pretending to be something they are not." That head tilts in consideration. "However…yes. I do think that it would make sense to have the Goblyn King there to keep the Widow in check. Though…I am not sure how we would get through the night. We wouldn't be able to speak normally, I don't think. Not if we really wanted to keep the illusion up for as long as possible." A wry little smile is cast towards Emilia. "And I don't think I could possibly keep myself contained for all that time." Words spoken with tongue firmly in cheek.

—-

The matter on what The Last might think is brushed aside with that wave of Clara's hand. Afterall..why would he care about a simple party and mortals playing dress up? "I think you may be of possible to get of through the of night speaking as you wish, as I do not think any of the legends say he must speak one of way or another," notes Emilia. A small tug at the corners of her lips,"After of all, people will of think the ideas come from legends after of all. Though of the Widow, might be more of difficult…After of all, we would not wish of a banshee to of wail and send everyone of scattering. But this might not be of a bad thing. Any who knew of me would rather of figure it to me the first of moment I opened of my mouth." Her speech pattern was rather distinctive. "Though I could slow of my words if truly of needed."

—-

Clara nods. "I suppose so. Though it would be more fun to pitch my voice differently." Clara looks up to Emilia….as slight confusion clouds her features. "But…why are we talking masque? I…I feel that we need to talk more on that other thing." The exorcism that started off the whole conversation. "Unless….you don't want to talk about it now?" After all, it was Emilia that changed the topic, not Clara. It…was just something Clara latched onto. And, judging from the slight redness upon Clara's cheeks, she may be feeling a little shame for just running with the tangent…and not helping Emilia. Maybe…

—-

"You could do of so, it would make more of fun to do so. But you may have to practice at of it?" Emilia asking that with some question, unless her friend had a talent she wasn't aware of….yet. And then the conversation comes back around. "I am not of sure what more there is to talk of…about of that. I have of mine-worries…I am knowing of what I of want…or am not wanting to of do. I just have to of decide if that is the of path I can of live of with." Her hand slips to find Clara's to squeeze,"But of at least, I of know that you will of support which of ever I do end up deciding to of do."

—-

As Emilia finishes her thought, stating that she knows Clara will be there to support, the princess herself gives a big affirmative nod, in her usual cheery manner. "That is absolutely correct! We spirit sisters got to stick together." And…that little bit seems to be enough for Clara. She didn't want to leave Emilia hanging…but she also noticed that the mood had lightened when speaking of costumes. And…so she returns to the lighter topic. "well….we don't have a whole lot of time, then, if we aim to impress at the masque. And, really, what fun is it if we don't cause some tongue to wag?" With a giggle, Clara shifts in her chair…."I ought to find some paper and some charcoal. I have a feeling some sketching is in order…"

—-

Was not any topic bound to be at least a bit lighter? "Of aye, we of must," Emilia giving one of those corner tugging type smiles. Allowing that conversation to go back to the masque and costumes, Emilia was well aware of how the other matter could impact her spirit sister. And there may be a bit of guilt for having rather blurted out everything as she did. "Of no, we of don't. There will be of some need to start work upon them as soon as we are of returned." Another bit of a corner tugging smile when Clara giggles, and work soon begins…least a start with sketches being made.

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