Just Give Me Your Name [MorningStar]

[Goldie]

It was unbelievably frustrating! All day as they moved their way through the town and towards their final destination, Elowyn did everything she could to try and influence the necklace. She mentally pleaded, yelled, scrunched her face up, held her breath until her eyes watered, but nothing seemed to affect it at all. No matter what she tried, Kaito always just saw....her.

But she could change, she knew that! But what caused it to change? Clearly not her own personal preference...it wasn't like she could just whisper a disguise and it would obey. The Fae had given her a gift that would do everything she needed it to...except what she wanted.

They reached the party, the lights and music and laughter bringing her a joy she hadn't thought possible. This was her world, wasn't it? The one she'd spent learning since she was a child, the one that despite its setbacks still felt like home.

She was smiling to herself when Kaito began transforming and the smile faltered.

"Uh..." she blinked, looking him up and down in a dress that nobility of this caliber would never be caught dead in....it was more the stuff of the less savory aspects of society and never a full blown party. "You'll turn eyes for sure...but...maybe not the way you hope? You've gone too obvious. Left nothing to the imagination. Nobility tend to be more...suggestive in their seduction."

She walked a full circle around him and tsked a few times before offering suggestions, "Smaller chest. Keep it low, but give yourself a fuller skirt. Add some gemstones or embroidery around the neckline to draw attention. Or a brooch!" She looked at his face, calculating, "Add some color to your cheeks, a slight blush. And you'll want to place yourself in his sight, but at a distance like a little gift that he can't quite escape throughout the night - always right there in the corner of his eye."

Then she blushed deeply and took a stop back. She had surprised herself by being so blatant with this kind of knowledge. It was something she'd always ignored, never really having a taste for those kinds of games, but clearly she knew the game nonetheless.

"Ah...I mean...if you want."

[MorningStar]

Kaito couldn't help but smirk at El's unexpected display of knowledge about seduction tactics.

"Oh, Elowyn," he teased with a grin. "Keep this up and I'll marry you one day. If you'll have me, of course."

He followed her recommendations, albeit with a hint of reluctance at the thought of drawing too much attention to himself. As he transformed, he focused on every detail she suggested, adjusting his appearance to fit the image of a refined noble lady.

Once he was ready, Kaito glanced at his reflection in his pocket mirror and couldn't help but cringe slightly at the overdone blush on his cheeks. Nevertheless, he straightened his posture and adopted a graceful demeanor, ready to play the part.

"Come along... sir? Madam? I guess we'll find out," he quipped, gesturing for El to follow as he headed towards the entrance of the mansion.

As they entered the lavish party, Kaito couldn't help but marvel at the opulence surrounding them. The room was filled with elegantly dressed guests, the sound of laughter and music filling the air.

As a servant approached with a tray of drinks, Kaito mimicked his impression of a dainty noble lady, delicately accepting a glass of champagne with a small, practiced smile. He scanned the room, searching for the governor amidst the sea of faces, determined to carry out their plan with finesse.

[Goldie]

Elowyn followed dutifully behind, also wondering what the masses would see and if they'd all see the same person. She was nervous and her stomach was full of butterflies. If she ended up looking like herself, she would just die. The whole day she had been prancing around in pants like some kind of mercenary. She was uncomfortable and wanted nothing more than to just switch into her stays and dresses once more, but...this was her life now so she'd better embrace it. It would probably be better for running; less things to trip over and get caught.

His comment about marriage left her gaping like an idiot and her blush deepened even more. He wouldn't want to marry her. He wanted some kind of voluptuous woman with curves and pouting lips - she was just a stick with odd eyes and hair that was naturally silver regardless of her age. She was like a....like a baby-old-lady hybrid.

"You!" A servant rushed over and grabbed El's arm. His eyes were murder, "Tray. Now. Leave the Ladies alone or you will get kicked out without pay, do you understand?"

Ah! So she was a servant today. And...probably male based on his remarks.

"I'm sorry." She stuttered, trying to find her feet. Then, she turned towards Kaito and bowed deeply, "Have a wonderful evening, My Lady. Continue that way and you should find the host, as you requested."

Then a tray was practically slammed into her hands and she found herself swept away into the crowd leaving Kaito behind. So she mingled, always keeping an eye out for anyone who looked like the governor while also trying to keep an eye on Kaito as well. She'd need to know when to start snooping and it wouldn't be easy to do if she couldn't see him.

A hand pinched her butt and she yelled quietly, turning to see a middle aged woman smiling openly at her.

"You are a treat." The woman cooed, "Our host has found even prettier faces than before, hard to believe! What is your name?"

"S...Samuel, My Lady." Elowyn bowed. Where was Kaito? Had he found the Governor?

"You even speak, properly! How refreshing compared to the usual country bumpkins. Tell me, Samuel, are they paying you well enough here? Because I would certainly pay handsomely to have you escort me home at the end of the night." Elowyn's cheeks burned. This was crazy...absolutely crazy! People wouldn't even dream of speaking to her like this woman had she been herself! Was this common for servants? Did they always have to play the game of being polite while turning down unwanted advances? Or perhaps this was standard? She didn't know this side of the party and wasn't sure what to do; what was proper.

"Thank you for your kind offer, My Lady." She fought to keep her voice steady and bowed once more, "I will consider it."

"Oh, do. Do." She smiled and El left, forcing herself not to just run away.

[MorningStar]

The opulent ballroom shimmered with the soft glow of candlelight, casting an ethereal ambiance over the lavish affair. Kaito, now fully transformed into the enchanting "Lady Cassandra", navigated the sea of partygoers with a newfound sense of confidence. The adjustments El had suggested had proven to be a stroke of genius, as he found himself the center of attention among the admiring gentlemen, their eyes lingering on his every move. Even better? Apparently El's own disguise was that of a servant - which may prove to be even better for the job.

Yet, beneath the facade of poise and grace, Kaito felt the flutter of nerves dance in his chest. The thrill of the heist, the anticipation of the unknown, kept him on edge, heightening his senses and fueling his determination. It was a sensation he relished, reminding him of the exhilarating rush that came with each successful endeavor.

As he gracefully navigated the crowded ballroom, a suave gentleman approached with a sly grin, his eyes lingering on Kaito's form with an unsettling intensity.

"Ah, My Lady," the man purred, leaning in a little too close for comfort. "You look positively enchanting tonight. Might I have the honor of a dance later?"

Kaito forced a polite smile, subtly inching away. "Thank you, sir. I'm afraid I must decline, as I'm already engaged for the evening."

The man's grin widened, his gaze sharpening. "Engaged, you say? Pity. I was hoping to show you a night you wouldn't soon forget."

Unease prickled at Kaito's skin as he offered a tight-lipped response. "I appreciate the offer, but I must attend to other matters. Perhaps another time."

Good Gods. Is that how women felt with he flirted with them? Is that how he made Elowyn feel on their first meet? He really needed to rethink his behavior.

Speaking of El, where was she? Ah, there!

Amidst the lively chatter and swirling skirts, Kaito stole glances at "El the servant boy," ensuring her safety with each passing moment. Satisfied that she was well-positioned, he redirected his focus to the task at hand: finding the governor.

With a subtle wave of his hand, Kaito wove illusions through the crowd, planting rumors and whispers that spread like wildfire, adding an air of scandal and intrigue to the already bustling atmosphere. The governor, a handsome figure with a thick mustache and an aura of pompous authority, stood out amidst the throng of guests.

With a coy smile, Kaito approached the governor, extending a delicate hand in greeting. "Good evening, Your Excellency. Lady Cassandra, at your service."

The governor glanced at Kaito with a hint of indifference, barely acknowledging his presence. "Charmed, I'm sure," he replied dryly, before turning his attention to someone else in the crowd, effectively dismissing Kaito.

Stunned by the governor's indifference, Kaito watched in disbelief as he made a beeline for Elowyn, his heart sinking with a mix of frustration and concern. It seemed their plan had hit an unexpected snag, and Kaito could only hope that Elowyn was prepared to handle whatever came her way.

[Goldie]

Elowyn, or rather Samuel, had just stepped through one of the servant doors and into the back hallways to refill her tray. The kitchens were intense, hot, and bustling with activity. The chef was barking orders and a mix of assistants and mages worked together to make sure everything ran smoothly. What intrigued her the most was learning that the mages enhanced the smells of the food so they would be more enticing to guests.

"Finished them already?" An assistant asked with a groan, staring at the crumbs that littered her now-empty tray, "pigs, all of 'em. There's enough food here to feed the village and we're s'possed to honor 'em for gluttony."

"You shut your mouth." The chef hissed, "remember your place or you'll be out on the streets faster then you can think - which isn't hard cause you're daft. Remember who pays you and get to work."

Then El's tray was filled again with enhanced foods and she was back out of the door and into the throng. Her arms already ached - even just holding a tray was hard work and despite what people seemed to see, she wasn't a big person by any means. Strength would never be her strong suit.

"You're new here, lad." A deep, booming, but kind voice reached her ears the moment she re-entered the room. Before her stood a tall, imposing figure with a mustache that was so big and well groomed it must have been hiding secrets. One glance at his attire plus the way he carried himself told her that this was the host himself - the Governor in the flesh.

"Yes, My Lord." She bowed slightly, mostly with her head and upper shoulders so not as to disturb the food. She'd seen many footmen do the same during her life and hoped she was able to mimic it well enough.

"I hope you're being treated well. Not overworked?"

She shook her head, "No, My Lord." This was certainly interesting. From what Kaito had said, she expected this man to be aloof and nasty, not someone who would fraternize with servants in the middle of his own party. It was incredibly nice of him to check on someone simply because they were new.

Maybe they'd gotten him wrong? Maybe he was actually a nice person with negative rumors that flowed freely around him?

"Come with me, I'd like to show you the house if I may. I can see you're a hard worker and I've been looking for another footman to round out my staff." He gestured for another servant who promptly bustled over and took the tray from Elowyn's hands and removing any excuse at the same time.

"Of course, My Lord." She bowed again.

"Oh enough of that. We shall be friends, you and I!" And then she was following dutifully after him while he explained basics: that servant door leads to the bedrooms on the west side, mostly used by lady's maids and house maids, that doorway lead to the library, and that one to a caster veranda that was littered with starry-eyed couples. His estate was impressive. Smaller than her own back home, but nice for such a small area and well kept from what she could gather.

He picked up two drinks from a passing tray and continued walking and talking gently to her, or rather to Samuel.

Then they passed into the side of the home that didn't have guests and he stopped to hand her a glass.

"Wouldn't want the Butler or the guests to think the wrong thing. Here you are safe to be yourself. Please, drink! Tell me about your life. How did you end up here? How did we find someone so perfect as you?"

Elowyn sputtered halfway through a sip at that last comment, alarm bells suddenly starting to chime in the back of her head. This wasn't right. This was off.

It'll be fine! an unbidden voice whispered in the back of her mind, getting louder by the second, He is awfully nice and cares about his workers and their happiness.

But...that wasn't her voice. That wasn't something she'd think. Was it?

She peered at her glass, incredulously, but didn't have time to so much as think before she was pushed against a nearby wall and the Governor's mouth pressed passionately against her own.

[MorningStar]

As Kaito watched with a strike of horror in his chest, the Governor whisked Elowyn away from the bustling party, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach. He clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to rush after them. Instead, he reminded himself to trust Elowyn's capabilities and focused on reshaping the plan.

With a deep breath, Kaito redirected his attention to the task at hand. He was meant to be the distraction for the Governor, but it seemed El's disguise had captured the Governor's attention more effectively. Adjusting his strategy, Kaito decided to weave illusions and distractions among the party guests while venturing deeper into the Governor's mansion to obtain the artifact.

---

Step One: Illusionary Distractions

Kaito leaned in close to a group of guests, his voice low and conspiratorial as he planted the seed of gossip. "Have you heard about the Governor's plans for tonight?" he murmured, his words tinged with just enough mystery to pique their interest. "I hear he's planning to choose a successor from among the guests."

The guests exchanged intrigued glances, their curiosity instantly sparked by Kaito's tantalizing words. "A successor?" one of them echoed, brows furrowing in disbelief. "But I thought the Governor had a son that was next in line for the estate."

Kaito shrugged casually, his lips curling into a sly smile. "Well, you know how these things go," he replied with a nonchalant wave of his hand. "Rumors have a way of spreading like wildfire, especially when it comes to matters of inheritance and power."

With a magical flash in his eyes, the deception began.

The conversation among the guests quickly took on a life of its own as they eagerly discussed the Governor's supposed search for a successor. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd, each guest adding their own speculation to the growing web of gossip. Before long, the entire room was abuzz with talk of potential heirs and political maneuvers, the illusionary whispers fueling the atmosphere of intrigue and excitement. Then, the rumors multiplied, escalating into a cacophony of gossip: the Governor was seeking a wife at the party, the Governor was seeking a husband, the Governor was seeking a mistress, and so on.

Step Two: Handle the Guards with Phantom Pursuits

Kaito's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the next distraction. Spotting a group of guards near the staircase, he focused his mind and wove the illusion of a drunken man stumbling through the party. The mirage stumbled and slurred its words, drawing the attention of the nearby guards.

As the guards approached, Kaito subtly manipulated the illusion, causing it to engage in a conversation with the guards. The mirage babbled incoherently, its gestures exaggerated and its movements unsteady. Kaito infused the illusion with a sense of urgency, prompting the guards to take action.

"Hey, what's going on here?" one of the guards demanded, stepping forward to confront the drunken mirage.

The illusion swayed on its feet, its words slurred as it feigned confusion. "Just... trying to find... my way home," it mumbled, gesturing vaguely down the hall.

The guards exchanged wary glances, clearly unsure of how to handle the situation. Sensing their hesitation, Kaito intensified the illusion, making it appear as though the mirage suddenly realized it was being pursued.

With a shout of alarm, the mirage stumbled away, lurching down the hallway with unsteady steps and knocking (and shattering) vases and other things of value that barred his path. The guards reacted swiftly, springing into action and giving chase. Kaito maintained the illusion, keeping the guards occupied as he slipped up the staircase.


Step Three: Time Distortion

As Kaito ascended the stairs, his eyes scanned the hallway, noting the guards stationed strategically along the corridor. With a quick analysis of their patterns, he discerned the rhythm of their patrols. Taking a deep breath, he focused his energy, weaving his deception into the fabric of time itself. A subtle distortion enveloped the area, causing the guards' movements to falter, their patrols falling out of sync with their usual timelines.

With the guards momentarily disoriented by the temporal disruption, Kaito seized the opportunity to slip past them unnoticed. He moved swiftly and silently, his footsteps muffled by the illusion he had cast. As he reached the door to the room he had told Elowyn to meet him in, he paused briefly to ensure the coast was clear before slipping inside.

---

Kaito stood in the center of the dimly lit room, his senses heightened as he focused his attention on the task at hand. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to become attuned to the subtle energies that permeated the space. His keen intuition guided him, leading him to hone in on the elusive presence of the artifact they sought.

With each breath, Kaito felt the energy of the room pulse around him, the faint whisper of magic dancing on the edges of his consciousness. He extended his awareness, reaching out with his mind to probe the shadows and secrets that lingered within the room.

Suddenly, a tingling sensation washed over him, a surge of excitement coursing through his veins as he sensed a subtle shift in the energy of the room. Opening his eyes, he followed the pull of magic, his gaze alighting on a seemingly innocuous corner of the room.

Approaching cautiously, Kaito extended his hand, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface of an ornate vase. As he touched the object, a soft glow emanated from within, casting a warm light that illuminated the surrounding area.

With a sense of anticipation, Kaito reached out to the artifact, his fingertips brushing against the ancient scroll concealed within.

Got it.

"Now, where's El?" he muttered under his breath, his eyes darting back to the door.

[Goldie]

Elowyn didn't know what to do. Her entire decision-making process halted as she was smothered by the Governor and found herself pinned in such a way she couldn't figure a way out. His hands were along her sides and his tongue pressuring to explore.

She managed to push him away just enough to squeak out, "No, My Lord!" But then the drink she had been holding was against her lips and she found another few mouthfuls pouring into her mouth.

"Shhh." He cooed, "Everything is fine. You're going to be just fine, do you understand?" He ran a hand across her cheeks, "I'd never do anything to hurt you - I'm going to give you a permanent job here! Isn't that what you'd like, Samuel? To work for me? An employer who can shower you with gifts and make sure your family is set for life?"

Her head was foggy and she found herself nodding dumbly in response and a small giggle bubbled in her throat.

"There you go." He purred, "Now you're feeling better, aren't you?"

Again she nodded.

Why was she nodding? Why was she smiling?

"I'm not who you think I am," she found herself telling him. She didn't want to hurt him and if he found out that she wasn't actually Samuel he would be hurt! He would be so angry if he realized she was a woman.

"Shhh" he pressed his finger to her lips, "No one is who they say they are, my dear, your secrets are mine and mine are yours"

"But...!" She protested, but his lips were upon her again and she found herself desperately wanting to please him that she didn't protest, didn't pull away.

"Come with me. Away from prying eyes." Elowyn giggled and stumbled against him as he offered his arm. Her faculties were gone, whatever he had put in her drink made her want only to ensure his happiness. If he was happy, she was happy! So she let him lead her, one arm around her shoulders as they made their way upstairs to his personal chambers.

[MorningStar]

Kaito's heart raced with anticipation as he held the artifact in his trembling hands, his fingers eager to uncover its secrets. With cautious determination, he began to unfurl the scroll, the anticipation growing with each passing moment. But before he could fully reveal its contents, a surge of magic surged through the parchment, sending a jolt of electricity shooting through his fingertips. With a startled yelp, he dropped the scroll, watching helplessly as it tumbled to the floor, rolling out of reach.

His pulse quickened as he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps drawing near, their approach sending a wave of panic coursing through him. Two sets of footsteps. Could it be El and the Governor? With a sense of urgency, Kaito scanned the room for a hiding spot, his eyes settling on a nearby couch. Moving quickly, he darted towards it, crouching down behind its plush cushions just as the door swung open with a creak. Holding his breath, he prayed that he hadn't been discovered.

Peering cautiously from behind the couch, Kaito's heart pounded in his chest as Elowyn and the Governor entered the room, their voices carrying through the air. At first, alarm surged through him as he watched them, his mind racing with a multitude of possibilities.

However, as he observed Elowyn's behavior, a mix of admiration and concern washed over him. She seemed to be fully immersed in her role, her laughter and stumbling movements convincing in their authenticity. Her acting prowess was impressive, and for a moment, Kaito found himself almost believing the charade.

Yet, as he continued to watch, a sense of unease began to settle in the pit of his stomach. Something about Elowyn's demeanor felt off, her usual spark replaced by a vacant look in her eyes. Her movements were erratic, as if she were under some sort of influence, and Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong.

And that lit a fire in the kitsune.

As Kaito emerged from his hiding place, the Governor's eyes widened in surprise, his grip on Elowyn loosening slightly as he turned to face the unexpected intruder.

"You again?! What are you doing in my personal chambers? Who are you exactly?!" the Governor demanded, suspicion coloring his tone as he eyed Kaito's disguised appearance, a noblewoman adorned in elegant attire.

Undeterred by the Governor's skepticism, Kaito maintained the facade of the noblewoman, offering a coy smile as he approached. "My dear Governor," he began, his voice smooth and melodious, "I am Lady Cassandra, a guest at your exquisite gathering."

The Governor's brows furrowed in confusion, but Kaito pressed on, his movements graceful and deliberate. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with this charming young man," he continued, gesturing towards Elowyn. "And I simply had to offer my assistance."

The Governor regarded Kaito with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. "Assistance with what, exactly?" he asked guardedly. "What exactly did you hear?"

Kaito's smile widened, his eyes gleaming as he leaned in closer. "Why, with matters of the heart, of course," he replied. "I couldn't bear to see such a lovely young man in distress."

"Distress? You're mistaken. I assure you-"

"Shut. Up."

The Governor's expression shifted, caught off guard by the sudden change in Lady Cassandra's demeanor. In that moment, Kaito seized the opportunity, shedding the facade of Lady Cassandra with a swift motion, revealing his true form beneath.

The room crackled with energy as Kaito's fiery tails unfurled in a blaze of flames, their intense heat radiating through the air. His kitsune ears twitched with anticipation, and his eyes blazed with an ominous intensity that matched the fire dancing in his tails. As the transformation unfolded, a sense of primal power filled the room, causing the Governor to take a step back in shock.

"What?!" his voice trembled with disbelief. "Demon!"

The Governor's grip on Elowyn loosened completely as he recoiled in fear and he had an absolute fear in his eyes.

"Enough of this," Kaito's voice rang out. "What did you do to her?"

"H-Her?!"

With a primal intensity, Kaito lunged at the Governor, his hand wrapping around the man's throat in a vice-like grip. The Governor gasped for breath as he was hurled against the wall, the impact knocking the wind out of him. Pins and needles danced along the Governor's spine as Kaito's fiery gaze bore into him, demanding answers.

"Now, you're going to tell me exactly what you did to my friend," Kaito growled as his grip tightened around the man's throat. With a fierce tug, he yanked at the Governor's ridiculous mustache, eliciting a cry of pain. "Or I'll burn it off."

Terror flashed in the Governor's eyes as he struggled to form words. "I-I didn't do anything," he stammered. "I swear, I-I don't know what you're talking about!"

Kaito's lip curled into a snarl of frustration and anger as he yanked at the Governor's mustache once more, causing the man to whimper in pain. "Don't lie to me," he spat venomously. Losing patience, Kaito flung the man to the ground with a resounding thud, shattering a glass table in the process as his body crashed through. "If you don't start talking, I'll make you regret it. What the hells did you do to her?!"

The Governor's groans filled the room as he winced in pain, disoriented from being manhandled like a rag doll by Kaito. His eyes darted around frantically, searching for any escape from the fiery wrath before him, but Kaito's presence loomed over him like a shadow of impending doom.

"Guards!" the Governor managed to yell. But before the word could fully leave his lips, Kaito's fist connected with his face, silencing him with a sharp blow. Stars danced before the Governor's eyes as pain exploded across his cheek.

"Oh, they can't help you now," Kaito's voice cut through the air like a menacing whip. Another blow followed, the force of it sending shockwaves of agony through the Governor's body.

Tears welled in the Governor's eyes as he struggled to form words, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I-I didn't do anything," he protested weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kaito's eyes blazed with fury as he leaned in close. "What did you do?!"