Spirits of the Earth

@MorningStar

Fallial was known for fae bloodlines and it reflected heavily in its people both noble and not. It wasn't unusual for the city centers to be filled with a rainbow of different hair colors and even those with more "standard" hair often colored it to blend in. Being Fae was in. It was treasured. It was lauded.

And yet Elowyn still felt singled out at these damned social requirements. Most people were still distance relatives to their fae neighbors and while they clearly resembled them in coloring and being ultimately more lithe than your standard breed of human, Elowyn's direct connection made her just...different. Her cheekbones were higher, face more slender, her eyes were both unfathomably dark and light all at the same time, her hair wasn't wild with color but it shimmered as if with its own life. Compared to her family she was wraith-like in her build and even children's clothing often hung from her.

And people noticed. They always noticed. And that meant she couldn't be invisible. She couldn't just exist. No. She was an artifact. On display. A status symbol for her family that the fae had chosen them. Though, her not-mother didn't exactly feel the same way about it seeing as the fae procreated the same was as humans and she and Elowyn's father had been married at that point...

"That's fascinating." She replied automatically as some nobleman talked her ear off. She'd tuned him out long ago, but still needed to appear to be listening. He was a right proper bore, but he had money and could be a terrific match if you give him a chance - Liliana's voice echoed in her head.

Fat chance. El wouldn't go anywhere with this man.

"Cristorial," she said his name, "I do believe you have other guests to entertain."

He blinked and then nodded vigorously before bowing out and disappearing back into the ballroom to mingle. She should feel bad using her influence on him but...

She didn't. He'd been fool enough to literally give her his name. She wasn't supposed to...it really wasn't nice...but now she could slip into the garden and sit on the ground to see how still she could be and how many critters would come out to join her.

In the opulent ballroom of Lord Harrington's estate, Kaito seamlessly glided through the crowd, a master of deception. To the untrained eye, his illusion of a handsome suit and sleek mask blended effortlessly with the nobles' extravagant attire, concealing his true identity as he maneuvered through the glittering sea of guests. However, that illusion would only last so long before his fox-like ears and his fire shaded locks became noticeably obvious.

Surveying the room, Kaito identified Lady Harrington, the unsuspecting owner of the prized artifact he intended to liberate. His ulterior motive simmered beneath the charming facade he presented to the guests. As the evening unfolded, Kaito orchestrated an intricate dance of manipulation, each step a calculated move toward his goal.

Spotting the gossip-hungry nobility, he subtly sowed seeds of intrigue. With a knowing smile, he whispered rumors of Lord Harrington's desire to find a suitor for his daughter, igniting conversations that would ripple through the gathering like wildfire. The murmurs spread like a veil of distraction, casting a delightful chaos among the guests.

Kaito, armed with charisma and a playful nature, couldn't resist mingling with the women, his flirtations designed to divert attention from the true purpose of his presence. His laughter echoed through the hall as he wove tales and shared jests, and he even felt himself rather enjoying the company and conversation of one of the servant girls.

In all honesty, Kaito found himself falling in love several times a week – a delightful routine he secretly cherished. It was like having a mental romance gym, where his heart did cardio workouts on various affectionate treadmills. Each week brought new crushes, like changing stations on a romantic radio dial. It might sound a bit silly, but in Kaito's whimsical world, love was a buffet, and he eagerly sampled the flavors life served him.

Shuffling through his pocket, he handed the woman a slip of paper with a note he pre-wrote prior to the party. "Pardon me, love," he said with a low tone and a charming smile. "I must be off, but I wrote you something. Please read it when your shift is over, and when the night sky wears the moon at its pendant, know that I will be waiting at the docks."

——

My Dearest,

In the grand tapestry of life, your presence is the most enchanting thread, weaving elegance and warmth into every moment. Your laughter, a melodious sonnet that dances through the chambers of my heart, and your touch, a script guiding me through the pages of affection, tracing the curves of a love story written in the delicate ink of our connection.

In your eyes, I discover constellations that map out our unique celestial connection. As the curtain falls on this letter, know that you are the protagonist of my heart's narrative, and the silhouette of your figure is the poetry that renders every scene unforgettable.

Yours Adoringly,
K

——

As the woman read and promptly discarded the letter, Kaito seamlessly melded back into the bustling crowd before she had a chance to look up. Utilizing the social whirlwind he had deftly stirred, he masked his intentions, letting the diversion of gossip become his cloak, allowing him to ascend the stairs unnoticed.

"El." A warm hand touched her shoulder as the familiar voice of her one friend, Yeleania, broke through the cloud of boredom and single driving desire to escaped into nature. "El, look." She pointed to some over exuberant noble or other flirting with the staff, "Seem odd to you?"

Elowyn shrugged. Frankly, she didn't care. But Yeleania was determined and urged her to continue watching as the same woman crumpled up a piece of paper and throw it away, "You're not the least bit intrigued?"

"No particularly. Though he's certainly handsome enough to catch your eye. Fits your criteria. Is that why you're pointing him out?"

"What?" She gasped as if offended. "Nooooo. I mean, yes, but not the point! He's a guest but he's mingling with servants, not people of our station. I think we have a crasher."

El rolled her eyes, "Or someone with an over active di—"

"Elowyn!!" Yeleania giggled and cut her off, "You're horrible!"

"But not wrong."

"You know what? Fine. He seems to be gone now anyways. I'll go find someone else to stalk." And still giggling she slipped back into the sea of people and immediately found another handsome young man to entertain her.

But where had the flirt gone? It was as if the people swallowed him whole and he had just vanished. Elowyn picked up her many layers of skirts and pushed her way through the crowds until she spotted him.

Why is he climbing the stairs? she thought. That didn't bode well. Either he was a snoop, or she was about to catch him dipping into some other servant girl.

But now she had to follow. And thankfully her slight frame made it easy to slip up after him.

Having stirred a concoction of rumors and excited whispers in the noble's gathering below, Kaito slipped away from the buzzing crowd and ascended the grand staircase. Arriving on the upper floor, he faced a row of ornate doors, behind one of which lay the coveted artifact he sought.

In the quiet hallway, two elegantly dressed women emerged from the facilities, momentarily disrupting his plan. Quick on his feet, Kaito flashed them a charismatic smile, accompanied by a charming bow. "Ladies, you won't believe the news downstairs. I had to escape the commotion for a moment." He gestured dramatically as if to emphasize the overwhelming atmosphere below.

Once they departed, leaving the coast clear, Kaito exhaled deeply, his illusioned appearance melting away like water revealing his true form – a kitsune adorned in fiery red robes, with matching hair and fox-like ears. The transformation seemed to relieve him, much like taking off tight boots after a long day. Now revealed, he focused on pinpointing the room likely to harbor the precious artifact.

"This is the one," he whispered to himself, his senses acting as his guide.

With a subtle twist of the doorknob, he ventured into the private chambers of the Lady and Lord of the estate.

She followed a fair distance behind, making sure to wait behind a corner until he passed around another, but each step made her more uneasy. His was the step of someone on a clear mission with words intended to beguile and deceive. She could feel the falsehoods practically dripping from him - another gift from her fae mother.

But what was he after? Not a good time like she had initially deduced, clearly. A thief then? Or perhaps an assassin.

Her palms became sweaty as the thought crossed her mind. She should turn back and rejoin the party and let the owners of the house and hosts of the party deal with him. She should certainly not continue following. That was something someone stupid would do.

Her feet carried her closer and she peered around another corner just in time to see his illusion melt away to reveal his true form and she was forced to throw her hands over her mouth to muffle the gasp of surprise.

All a disguise. All a lie. Everything about him had been a lie. And yet...shouldn't she have been able to see through the illusions? It was a skill most of the fae heritage were granted but not for him.

Before she could stop herself she was standing in the door behind him, one hand gracefully resting on the frame with her head cocked to the side. A few loose curls draped over her bare shoulders to gently kiss the top of her pewter colored silk gown - to bring out her eyes her seamstress had argued.

"Well this is certainly unexpected." She addressed him.

"Well this is certainly unexpected."

His ear gave an involuntary twitch.

A soft voice lingered behind him, a woman's.

"It certainly is," he responded, enveloping himself in a charming smile. Swiftly, he pivoted on his heel, fully intent on facing the source of the voice to gracefully navigate the situation.

And yet..

She was breathtaking. While Kaito found all women stunning, he couldn't help but convince himself that this one was truly exceptional.

The woman who seemed to defy the laws of beauty with her mere presence. Her hair, a celestial cascade of white-blond strands, shimmered like strands of moonlight conspiring to outshine the stars. Dark ember eyes, deep and enchanting, held a captivating mystery that threatened to pull him into an alluring abyss.

Petite yet radiating an undeniable charm, her stature hinted at a compact powerhouse of allure. In the game of aesthetics, she played with an unfair advantage, leaving Kaito feeling like a fumbling amateur in the presence of a seasoned enchantress. The cute factor, seemingly wielded effortlessly, added a touch of endearing whimsy to the overall spectacle, as if the universe had decided to sprinkle a dash of playfulness into its masterpiece of beauty. A sight to behold, leaving Kaito momentarily dazed and more than a bit silly in his awe.

"Pardon me, miss," he smiled bashfully. "It appears I've stumbled upon a charming detour."

With a theatrical flair, he produced a scroll of parchment from his pocket, closing the distance between them. "Though, I am pleased you are here. As I spotted you in the bustling crowd," he fibbed, offering her the parchment with an outstretched hand, "I couldn't resist penning a little something just for you."

The note began as follows:

My Dearest, in the grand tapestry of life ...

Elowyn didn't so much as twitch as she held her lazy stance in the doorway. The only inclination that she was actually alive rather than a statue was her pointer finger gently tracing a circle where it rested in the doorframe - her head still cocked to the side.

She stared at the paper in his hand and made no move to take it.

"Lies." Her eyes flicked up from the paper to meet his eyes, "They're practically dripping off of you like you bathed in them."

A light breeze trickled in through the window causing her gown and her hair to flutter gently as she continued to stand there.

"So. Let's try again, shall we?" She held up a finger and made a condescending tutting sound, "No lies. I'll know."

Scaaaary.

Kaito's charming facade began to crumble like a fragile mask as he felt the piercing gaze of the young woman standing across from him. Slowly, he let his arm drop, and with calculated nonchalance, he slid the delicate scroll of paper back into his pocket. The room was now charged with an unspoken tension as he met her gaze.

The sparkle in Kaito's eyes lost its artificial glimmer, replaced by a sharp intensity that hinted at something more mischievous beneath the surface. His feigned charm and etiquette dissolved, revealing a man who was more cunning and composed than he appeared. A sly, playfully guilty grin played on his lips, betraying the secrets he held.

With a voice that now carried a hint of mischief, Kaito leaned in and whispered, "It appears I am busted. I am Kaito Mori, and I'm here to steal the Harrington Artifact for my employer."

Leaning to the side of the wall to match her own composure, Kaito's grin widened as he added, "Now, the real question is, are you going to tell on me, or are you here for the fun too?" His words hung in the air, a tantalizing invitation into his world.

"Huh." She looked surprised, "I honestly didn't expect you to be truthful."

She took a step into the room with her hands clasped behind her back while circling slowly and gazing at her surroundings. Unsurprisingly lavish. The entire room was bursting with expensive items from the draperies to the carpets themselves and everything else in between.

That's what the Harrington's were known for, their impeccably good taste. No, their impeccably expensive taste.

It wasn't what El would consider good by any means.

She trailed her finger delicately across the lip of an ornate vase before sliding a single cut bloom from the bouquet it held and spun it gently between her fingers.

"I don't know what I'm going to do yet, Kaito Mori." She liked the taste of his name and wondered if it was actually his real one? She supposed she could try to influence him to find out but that seemed rude.

"But I'm bored and would rather be anywhere than down there so...I suppose you're safe." Her dark eyes flashed up at him with a warning, "for now."

Kaito's demeanor softened briefly, a flicker of appreciation crossing his eyes as he acknowledged what felt as if a temporary truce with the unique woman - that, or she had given him just a little bit more wiggle room in this makeshift hostage situation.

"Appreciated," he nodded slightly.

With meticulous precision, he began the search for the object, adeptly returning items to their original places as if he were never there.

While engrossed in his task, Kaito's voice, smooth and calculated, spoke up again. "And what's your name?"

She hummed quietly in thought at his question. He might not realize that giving a name to a fae was a dangerous risk, but she certainly wasn't about to go around throwing hers out to just anyone. And if he learned it elsewhere, it would hold less power than if it was freely given.

Should she say nothing? Or should she lie after just telling him to speak the truth.

"Yaleania." She responded after a few heartbeats, "What exactly are you looking for? I doubt it's trivial or it wouldn't need to be stolen, and most aren't stupid enough to leave something of high value just out and about. How big?"

She reached a bookshelf and started thumbing through some pages of a few books. Sometimes they were hollow and held all sorts of secrets. And...sometimes they were just hiding portraits of naked women as a few fell to the floor out of the last book she had selected.

"Speaking of unexpected..." she picked them off the floor and flicked through them absently, turning it over to see letters written to Lady Harrington, "Even more intriguing...." She muttered.

Though the portraits caught Kaito's eye, a usual delight, he restrained himself from expressing any admiration to avoid potential embarrassment or scorn from the woman.

Continuing his search, he addressed her questions. "Clever girl, Yaleanie," he referred to her by the name she provided, albeit harboring doubts about its authenticity, "it won't be out in the open. However, there should be something that will reveal the true hiding place of the artifact."

Kaito's eyes scanned every corner, searching for any hidden clues or signs. The air hung heavy with anticipation as he approached a bookshelf that seemed ordinary at first glance. Instinct guiding him, he carefully inspected each book, his fingers tracing along the spines.

As he reached for a seemingly nondescript volume, something caught his attention – a slight resistance, a subtle click. The realization dawned upon him, and a spark of excitement ignited in his eyes. Swiftly, Kaito lifted the book from its place, revealing a concealed switch behind it.

With a hushed creak, the bookshelf swung open to unveil a secret passageway.

"Ah, see?" he peered over at the woman with an excited grin. "Quite typical."

"Quite uninspired." She retorted while putting the book with the pictures back on the shelf.

"What is this, a haunted mansion? A mystery novel? I thought my au-Lord and Lady Harrington would have a more magical approach to protecting their things." She walked over to stand next to him and peer down the corridor as if whatever they were looking for would be visible right away.

Naturally, that wasn't going to happen.

She was close to him as she looked, hoping he hadn't caught the almost-slip she had just had. If he'd studied the family it might actually give him more information about who she was than she was ready to give. Actually, she was fairly certain after this little heist she'd probably never see him again and would hate for her name to get around as some kind of accomplice if he went bragging.

"You never said what this thing is."

"And I don't intend to just yet," he quipped with a playful tone. "Maybe there's a bit more to this, or maybe you are giving your 'aunt'—I mean, the Noble Lord and Lady—too much credit."

His eyes met hers, a knowing look accompanied by a subtle grin, before he eagerly strolled down the corridor.

"Tag along, my dear," he called back with a mischievous grin, "I'd hate for you to miss the grand reveal and end up getting lost."

She mentally berated herself for such a stupid mistake, but denying it now would just make her look more like a fool. So instead she kept her face expressionless. It wouldn't be too far of a stretch to say it wasn't her aunt since her mother wasn't really her mother...

But no. It was too late for that.

And then he was off and she found herself in a half-jog to catch up.

"What makes you so sure it's even here? Both in this house and in this corridor?" She asked, her breath coming in a little faster than she would have liked from her dash after him. She didn't even address the getting lost part - that was just laughable at this point.

Maybe.

It really all depended on how windy this secret corridor ended up being. It could also have been spelled but...she'd be able to see through any fae enchantments if they came across any.

"Well, clever girl," he spoke as his lengthy strides carried him through the corridor and deeper underground, "if my intel is accurate, it's here - but knowing for certain wouldn't be any fun, would it?"

Regardless of his words, he was mostly certain. He had intercepted the coded message himself between influential figures, and he did rather enjoy cracking codes. The information had unmistakably guided him to the Harrington Estate, particularly highlighting the Lord's secret chamber. Whether the lady of the household was privy to this secret remained a mystery to Kaito, one he wasn't inclined to solve.

The air was cold underground as he approached an intricately carved door adorned with mysterious symbols.

The first puzzle revealed itself: a series of shifting symbols that seemed to dance and elude understanding. Kaito recognized the art of illusion at play. Unperturbed, he focused on discerning the real symbols from the illusions. With swift and precise gestures, he summoned flickering flames from his fingertips, a method to easily identify the patterns.

However, he decided to extinguish the flame, looking over to his new makeshift accomplice.

"Know anything about puzzles, love?"

Even he found it surprising that an unexpected urge compelled him to.. testthe girl. There was an intriguing quality about her, and he reasoned that if she had intended to turn him in, she likely would have done so already.

Elowyn watched intrigued as he stopped before the door. She could tell it had been spelled with illusions, but it was more of a waiver in the air for her than it would be for anyone else. If she squinted, she could see what he must be seeing, but otherwise the door itself looked normal and the symbols were clearly visible.

She raised an eyebrow, "You're in Serendipty. In Fallial where the fae bloodlines run deep. What do you think?" The fae loved their puzzles, loved their riddles, loved the fact that they were able to easily trick outsiders.

And she was more Fae than all of them. She wondered if he had been able to parse that out or just thought she was an odder looking Serenian.

"Symbols." She responded, pointing to the door in six distinct places. "Spelled with illusions to hide them."

She then pointed to four different locations in the hall that would look like normal pieces of brick to him, "Traps. I'm assuming if you answer incorrectly they'll release some kind of gas. But if it will kill you or paralyze you until you're caught, I couldn't say."

She looked around the corridor and frowned, then pointed to what looked like light outlines of human shapes against the wall surrounded by a fine layer of dust...or...powder?

"Actually...I think you're lucky I tagged along. I don't think you can get through this door without a second person."

Kaito's sly smile deepened as he admired the woman's keen sense of illusion and her ability to decipher both the puzzle and traps. However, a hint of pride crept into his expression when she mentioned his luck in having her around. He could have easily used his art of duplication to cast another "Kaito" as a decoy for what lay next, but pride could be a very foolish thing - especially when he aimed to impress the young lady.

Undeterred, he confidently finished the puzzle, anticipating the door to reveal the next level of the underground maze. To no surprise, the door swung open, revealing what appeared to be an even more elaborate maze of mirrors that went further underground.

However, to his unfortunate surprise, a cloud of dust cascaded over him as he ventured into the next room, leaving him perplexed.

"Is that it?" he questioned, the question more for himself than for his company. "That's quite disappointing. Well, let's be off then-"

As he ventured into the next chamber, an unexpected heaviness settled in. The dust, unbeknownst to him, began its subtle yet powerful grip. It first seized his feet, gradually climbing up his legs, until a creeping paralysis reached his neck. Each step became more challenging, and Kaito felt the weight of his own body betraying him in a seemingly inexorable embrace. Soon enough, he could not move, leaving him both helpless and feeling foolish. He was certain he completed the puzzle accurately, but he still walked right into the trap.

"Okay," he breathed as his eyes darted to the woman, a hint of frustration settling into his eyes. "This is uh.. terrible. Got any ideas?"

She was there the moment his legs gave way and scooped an arm around to in an attempt to guide him to the floor, while doing her best to avoid breathing in the dust that brushed off of him. It wasn't graceful. She didn't have extra strength or anything and she was only just five feet tall, so it ended up being a rough moment regardless of her help.

"Oh for fucks sake." She muttered, not even caring that the words were unbelievably vulgar and unladylike. The situation called for it.

"Are you always this careless? I was going to offer to open the door. Then when they eventually found me I could feign being a snoop and everything would be all fine and good." She pulled him roughly to the side and did her best to prop him up. Again, not graceful. She looped her hands under his arms and moved him an inch at a time. Comical, really - her in an elegant ballgown helping a thief steal from her family.

What was she doing, really? This was stupid...she should just leave him and go make a report and then get on with her...

Life?

She hated her life.

After he was, maybe, comfortable, she stood and brushed the remaining dust from her skirts and finally allowed herself to take more than a tiny sip of air. So far, so good.

"Wow." She whistled, turning to look at the mirrors for the first time. "I can't carry you through that."

"How was I supposed to know?" he asked genuinely, a touch of frustration in his voice. Peering up at the woman from his cozy little paralysis on the floor, he continued, "I don't even know your real name!"

Releasing an exasperated breath, his gaze shifted towards the hall of mirrors. It was a typical setup, nothing too challenging to navigate. However, he wasn't much good for the job if he couldn't even move.

"Okay. Steady now. Focus on your breathing. Clear your mind. There should be a simple solution to this," he thought to himself. Once he composed himself, he addressed the nameless girl once more, "Perhaps you'd be better off going back up-"

Kaito's sentence was abruptly cut short as the distant wail of an alarm reached his ears, signaling that the jig was up. The echoes of urgency filled the air.

Shit bananas.

"You could have asked, or had a conversation or something!" she snapped back. Her head was pounding and she pinched the bridge of her nose to try and mitigate the throbbing.

"Now you're going to be stuck like that for...for..." she felt light a weight was pressing against her shoulders, "Shit." she murmured, forcing her legs to carry her to the closest surface as she slumped against it, while still somehow managing to stand.

"No no no no no no..." she had gotten too close. She had dragged him like an idiot, without thinking, and gotten the same powder on her...it must not take a lot. Or maybe the more there was the faster the effects rather than the stronger...

Her knees buckled and she pitched forward, only just barely able to catch herself before falling onto her face as he legs went completely numb. With a grunt she turned herself on her side to face Kaito as the rest of her body lost feeling except for her eyes.

The alarm continued to blare and then there were footsteps. Voices.

"Elowyn?" Her uncle, Lord Harrington, and a contingent of trusted guards stood in the doorway staring at her, not yet noticing Kaito to their right.

Kaito, taking advantage of the chaotic situation, harnessed his art of illusion to conceal his identity, transforming back into the debonair stranger he had impersonated at the party. However, the effects of his recent paralysis interfered with the illusion, leaving traces of his true appearance. His vibrant red hair and distinctly fox-like ears persisted, creating an odd juxtaposition with the refined image he tried to project - and one that he was unaware of.

Fully aware that he couldn't maintain his concealment indefinitely in this tumultuous scenario, he theatrically cleared his throat.

"Um, dearest Elowyn," he chimed in a sing-song tone. "This is certainly not the romantic adventure I envisioned when you proposed the idea."

His gaze then landed on Lord Harrington and the guards, offering them an exaggerated display of surprise. "Oh, greetings," he said with an embarrassed grin. "You must be Lord Harrington."

Lord Harrington stiffened, only just noticing the man, and exchanged a look between his niece and the stranger. Elowyn knew him as a man of action, of planning, and this scene had sent a waive of surprise across his features that was unusual for the man she knew him to be.

"Take her upstairs. Guest rooms." He ordered the guards, "Careful with her, my brother-in-law will kill you if you're not." He stepped forward and knelt down before Kaito, firm expression returning to cover his surprise, "Dust her off first." He added with a glance over his shoulder.

Elowyn stayed silent. She was embarrassed. Nervous. Anxious. She didn't think her uncle would hurt her but...she also had never done something this blatantly illegal and deceitful in her life. He could charge her if he wanted, and she would lose.

Then she was lifted off the ground, slumped limply against the arms of the guard who carried her, and was deposited on the guest room bed as the door was firmly shut and locked behind her.

Lord Harrington remained with Kaito and simply looked at him.

"I don't believe you." He hissed, but didn't move any closer, "She has turned away every suitor presented to her since she turned 16. Even tonight. And I think you'll be willing to tell me all about you and how you managed to get into this room after the effects of this concoction wears off." He waived his hand and the soldiers came forward with gloved hands and masks to remove any excess before dragging him off.

In the dimly lit underground chamber, Kaito found himself subjected to a merciless interrogation by Lord Harrington. Unlike Elowyn, who appeared to have been taken back into the primary household, the kitsune found himself in another room in the Lord's lair.

Tied to a chair, he squinted against the harsh glare of a solitary bulb dangling overhead. Harrington's stern expression bore down on him as a series of relentless questions cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Who are you?" Harrington demanded, his voice sharp and authoritative. The room echoed with the intensity of the interrogation.

Kaito, still feeling the effects of the paralyzing dust, managed a defiant glare. "I already told you," he retorted, though his words were punctuated by the unmistakable groan of pain as one of the guards delivered a powerful punch to his stomach.

Undeterred, Lord Harrington continued his relentless inquiry. "Who sent you? What are you after?"

The room seemed to close in on Kaito as he struggled to maintain composure. The interrogator's accusations became a barrage, each question aimed at unraveling the enigma of Kaito's presence in the underground labyrinth.

"What is your involvement with my niece?" Harrington's voice grew sharper, and the tension in the room reached its zenith. Kaito's eyes darted around, searching for an escape as the effects of the dust began to wane, allowing him a gradual return to mobility.

"As I said," he said with a cough. "A suitor. Nothing more."

The ropes binding him to the chair strained against his shifting movements. With each passing moment, Kaito regained control over his limbs, fueled by a determination to withstand the unrelenting interrogation.

The dose of paralysis wore off on Elowyn earlier than it would for Kaito as she had, what she was considering, second hand dust exposure. It didn't make the process any less exhausting, though, as she was forced to stare at the canopy for an undetermined amount of time until she could twitch her fingers, then her toes.

Her Uncle had stopped by for a little while and she kept playing the conversation over and over in her brain. Had she said things that would hurt Kaito? Was it something she even needed to worry about? Wouldn't it be best to just forget him and move on?

"Why were you in that room, Elowyn." He asked. Using her name was the issue with the conversation. No one really knew except her, but part of being so directly tied to the fae had its...disadvantages.

"I was bored." She answered, picking the truth out of the story that wouldn't make things worse, "He seemed interesting."

"So you broke into our room? Looked through our things like a common thief?!" He was angry. Far angrier than she had ever seen him and she would have jumped when his fist hit the headboard just behind her if she had any control over her body.

"I'm sorry." She croaked, and she was, "I'm so sorry, Uncle..."

"Did he do anything to you? Spell? Promises?"

"N...no..." she stuttered, also the truth.

And that had been it. She hadn't seen him since, but the door remained locked and when she was finally able to sit up, there was nothing she could actually do. A change of clothes had been provided and she found herself slipping out of the gown and into the more practical cotton dress. It wasn't quite a nightgown, but it was certainly simpler than what she would wear on a normal day. She slipped a shawl around her shoulders and knocked quietly at the door.

It opened.

"Lady Elowyn." The guard opened the door, "I'm sorry, but you're not to leave this room."

"Devon," she spoke his name, locking eyes deliberately, "I'm unwell and need fresh air. Please."

"Of course, My Lady." He stepped aside, unaware of the influence she had been able to use on him.

"Devon, where is my Uncle?"

He seemed uneasy and she knew she needed to be careful. She couldn't get whatever she wanted and push too far and the subject would know they were being controlled. "The lower chambers in his room."

She nodded, understanding. He would be with Kaito, she knew it in her gut. Which meant they were both down there and who knows what was happening...

Kia, what was she doing? This...she wouldn't be able to come back from this. She would have to run...if she tried to help him...this was stupid. She should go back into the room. She should just forget about the fox-faced man...but...

"Devon." She said softly, "Let my Uncle know I've left the room?"

And then he was walking briskly down the hallway to do just that. And Elowyn followed, planning to keep some distance, hide in the shadows, until she was able to slip in and, at the very least, let Kaito go.

Devon's heavy footsteps echoed through the dimly lit chamber as he entered, his eyes catching the unsightly scene before him. Lord Harrington, fueled by a desperate need for answers, relentlessly interrogated the fox-like man while a fellow guard, fueled by aggression, landed merciless punches into the captive's ribs.

Kaito, bound to a chair, felt the effects of the magic slowly lifting, granting him the return of mobility. Despite this newfound freedom, he remained confined by the tight grip of the ropes, rendering him temporarily powerless in the situation.

As Devon took in the chaotic tableau, Kaito subtly acknowledged his presence.

Before Kaito could muster any words or actions, Devon spoke, "Lord Harrington, I have news."

"Well?" Harrington replied sharply. "What is it?"

Devon cleared his throat. "Lady Elowyn has left her room."

"She what?!"

This news seemed to have altered the course of the interrogation. The revelation that Elowyn had left her room triggered a visible transformation in Lord Harrington's countenance. A storm of rage brewed within him, darkening his features.

"Don't just stand there!" Lord Harrington barked, urgency in his voice as he briskly approached the room's door. "We have to find her!"

In the wake of his departure, a brief moment of quiet enveloped the chamber. Kaito observed the hurried exit of Lord Harrington and the newest guard, realizing he was left alone with but one of Harrington's men - the enforcer.

"I'm sorry My Lord!" Devon gasped as the two men, plus a handful of other guards, rushed from her uncle's room and down the way they'd come, "she said she was ill I thought...I thought..."

A string of curses left Harrington's lips as they dashed down the corridor while Elowyn crouched behind a large statue on the other side. She just hoped there weren't more guards inside...

Her heart pounded in her chest, threatening to explode, and she had to take a few breaths before she was able to stand and slip through the door. This wasn't who she was. She wasn't a thief. She wasn't some professional sneak. She was the first-born of a noble family who was too stupid to just leave well enough alone.

The room was empty, but it wasn't difficult to discern where they had come from - and she went.

But not before slipping a knife into her sleeve - a letter opener really, but she couldn't be picky...so "armed" she began her descent.

But she didn't know where to go. She didn't know the secrets of this place...what if...but...everything was open. In fact, they were so open that it was almost like a beacon that told her exactly where to go. Had her leaving her room really made them panic this much? That meant...her uncle thought she knew more...that he wanted to ask more questions...

Kia, if she had stayed what might be have done?

She brushed the thought from her mind. It didn't help calm her nerves to think about her uncle torturing her for answers she didn't have and she didn't actually know if he would have gone that far.

Another open door.

She slipped her head slowly around the corner and immediately pulled back, breath coming wildly. Kaito was there, tied to a chair and badly beaten.

But that wasn't the worst of it.

She didn't know the guard. She didn't know his name.

Shit.

Time to escape.

As Kaito felt the effects of the dust fully wearing off, he found himself regaining control of his limbs. The room, now mostly empty except for one guard left to keep watch, presented an opportunity for him to escape the chair he was confined to. The remaining guard continued Lord Harrington's line of questioning, interrogating Kaito with punches to the ribs and jaw, demanding to know who he was, why he was there, and how he discovered the hidden chamber.

Kaito needed to create a brief diversion to halt the guard's assault, but how? He couldn't rely on a simple "look behind you!" trick. Then, recalling the earlier distraction involving Lord Harrington's niece, he devised a plan.

With wearied eyes from the torture, Kaito feigned surprise, gazing over the guard's shoulder. "Elowyn?" he coughed, unaware of her actual presence. "What are you doing?! Get out of here!"

That worked. Caught off guard by Kaito's words, the guard turned around hastily, attempting to locate the woman he believed was nearby.

Drawing on his unique abilities, Kaito harnessed the power of his fire elemental nature. Using the flickering flames of his kitsune tails, he strategically burned away the ropes binding him to the chair. Simultaneously, he employed his art of illusion, creating multiple phantom images of himself to confuse the guard. "Over here," one said, "no over here!" called another.

In the chaos that ensued, Kaito deployed a smoke bomb, creating a dense fog that provided the perfect cover for his escape. He deftly slipped past the disoriented guard.

As he made his way through the hazy environment, Kaito's path led him unexpectedly into something, causing him to stumble and fall.

To his surprise, the obstacle turned out to actually be Elowyn, and he locked eyes with her with a sense of confusion. Mirroring her words earlier that night, he simply said, "well, this is certainly unexpected."

He said her name. He said her name. Oh Kia, what was she going to do? The hall behind her was too long and there wasn't anything to hide behind. She hadn't even realized he had seen her let alone planned to turn her in.

Stupid. She was so stupid. She didn't even know him! Of course he wouldn't hesitate to use her to free himself.

She was frozen against the corridor wall. She couldn't get her feet to move as she waited for the guard to grab her and then her real problems would begin. She couldn't talk her way out of this.

But...the guard never came. There was...shouting...and then smoke and then something slammed against her and she fell heavily into the wall.

"Kaito?" She breathed when she realized that it had been he who hit her, "I...thought you...might need help..." she realized how silly the whole thing sounded. She was a Lady with zero experience other than batting her eyes and finding a husband and all of the awful things expected of her. He didn't need her help.

And then the guard left the room, blinded by the smoke, and grabbed the only thing he could see while the man lay sprawled on the floor: her.

He slammed her into the wall and her head cracked against stone making her vision go black for a few moments.

"Where is he!?" the guard demanded, a large hand pressing against her throat as he pinned her to the wall.

Acknowledging her presence and assistance, Kaito couldn't suppress a smile, a flutter of something indescribable stirring in his belly. It felt as if the world had momentarily paused, offering him the chance to extend his hand, a silent invitation for her to join him.

But that fleeting moment shattered when the guard descended upon her, the sickening thud of her skull meeting the wall audible amidst the chaos Kaito had unleashed. The discomfort in Kaito's gut intensified.

"Pardon me, sir," Kaito growled, low and menacing, as he swiftly intervened. Gripping the guard's shoulder, he forcefully yanked him away from Elowyn, delivering a solid blow to the jaw. The guard crumpled to the ground, disoriented and struggling to regain composure.

"Ow, shit!" Kaito winced, shaking his hand from the impact. Fighting wasn't his forte, but the satisfaction was undeniable.

Turning his attention back to Elowyn, sensing her disorientation, Kaito apologized, "Sorry, dear, can't be helped." Without further ado, he scooped her up, hoisting her over his shoulder, and raced down the chamber, aiming for an opportunity for both of them to escape.

Her ears were ringing and her vision swimming when the guard started questioning her. She was so disoriented she didn't even register anything other than voices just...mumbling. It was hard to breathe and even that was difficult to discern why.

But she wouldn't have to wonder for long because the pressure against her throat disappeared and she felt her legs give way beneath her own, slight weight.

And then she was moving.

More voices.

No.

Just one. Familiar.

"Kaito?" Her voice was quiet. Her head was pounding.

"Yep, that's me," he replied as he sprinted through the labyrinth in the underground chamber.

Elowyn slung over his shoulder, he maneuvered through the shadows, hoping to elude their relentless pursuers. The distant echoes of footsteps spurred him to push harder, leading them up a flight of stairs until he found refuge in a concealed room. The sounds of the ongoing party above hinted at the proximity to the main floor.

Now in the relative safety of the concealed room, Kaito gently lowered Elowyn to the ground, concern etched on his features. He knelt beside her, carefully examining her face and studying her eyes to assess the extent of any injuries.

"Still with me, love?" he asked in a hushed tone.

Everything was spinning and the sudden shift in equilibrium when he lowered her onto the floor wasn't helping. Her head had hit the stone harder than she realized and a waive of nausea swept through her body. A quick close of her eyes and a few deep breaths helped squash it, at least for the time being.

"I'm here." She murmured, trying to steady her eyes to keep him in focus. "You were attacked pretty badly...are you ok?"

She reached up to gently touch one of the many places that he'd been struck, as if her fingers would be able to heal him or something. Kia, her head hurt and even the faintest of lights was causing her to wince away and the muffled sound of the party felt much louder than it actually was.

"You should go. They won't hurt me." But that was a lie, wasn't it? The guard knew who she was. The guard would have been trusted by her uncle to keep a valuable prisoner in custody by himself. She might not know him, but she knew her uncle. If that man hadn't thought twice about cracking her skull against a wall...

She was in trouble...

"Oh, this?" he inquired, offering a reassuring smile. "Just a minor scrape, nothing to worry about." It was evident that he was fabricating the truth, and he made no attempt to conceal the fact. Meanwhile, Elowyn appeared to be in a more distressed state, likely a consequence of the head trauma she had endured. In reality, the beatings Kaito endured in the underground chamber were excruciating. He wasn't adept at physical combat, more inclined toward trickery and magic, and the pain radiated through his ribs, hinting at the possibility of them being on the verge of cracking.

And then she said it: You should go. They won't hurt me.


Was that true? He could hardly believe that after what he had seen that night.

For the first time that evening, Kaito's usually playful eyes bore the weight of guilt. He couldn't shake the feeling that he should never have allowed Elowyn to accompany him on this "adventure." His insatiable intrigue had led them into a dangerous situation, and now, the consequences were unfolding.

As the distant echoes of pursuit grew louder, Kaito grappled with a difficult decision. Leaving Elowyn behind could mean safety for himself, but he couldn't fathom what awaited her alone. The shadows seemed to whisper threats, and the air was thick with the tension of the impending danger.

In a hushed tone, Kaito spoke, his voice laced with remorse. "I never should have let you come with me. This is my fault." He glanced around, searching for any sign of escape. "We're being hunted, and I don't know what's waiting for you if I leave you behind. I can't take that chance."

She blinked a few times, taking deep steadying breaths to force her head to behave, but she was tired. So, so, unbelievably tired. If she could just close her eyes and sleep for a bit, everything would be better when she woke up.

But that would be rude. He was talking to her. And he was saying...what? That he couldn't leave her behind?

That was...surprising. Shocking, really.

"So...am I to be a hostage then?" It didn't sound like that was his intent, but she couldn't really figure out another reason he'd want to bring her with him. She had no marketable skills. She couldn't actually offer any assistance in his quest for secrets and treasures. If anything, taking her would put him in more danger - they would follow him with much more conviction.

The door to their room opened and Ellen near jumped out of her skin, eyes wild as the figure in the door loomed over them.

"You didn't see us, Devon." she snapped without thinking, thanking Kia that this was the same guard from before; that she knew him. "This room is clear." And then she slumped against the wall as his eyes glazed for a moment before he exited the way he came and shouted the all clear down the corridor.

Kaito blinked in response to her question, but as he witnessed the remarkable abilities she possessed, his eyes widened in awe. They stood at the brink of potential capture, yet, with a swift command and a compelling influence evident in her eyes, the guard dismissed any suspicion of their presence, diverting attention elsewhere.

As Kaito pondered who this enigmatic girl truly was, a subtle smile graced his lips once more. He examined her eyes, searching for understanding.

"My hostage," he repeated slowly, the words lingering in the air. "Yes. If you'll allow me the privilege of being your captor, I solemnly swear to do my utmost in holding you hostage."

"I...what?" She stuttered, confusion clearly written across her features. She rubbed her hand across her eyes as if trying dash away sleep, but that didn't offer any more understanding to her current situation.

"You...you want my permission to be a hostage? I don't..." she shook her head and then immediately regretted it as another wave of nausea threatened to consume her. With a groan she closed her eyes and let her head rest against the wall while attempting to compose herself.

She reached up to feel the back of her head where it had been hit and felt something sticky against her fingers along with a nasty knot that was unmistakable.

"I don't understand." She finally finished.

Kaito's attention was drawn to the sight of blood on Elowyn's fingertips, and a pang of regret surged through him.

Oh, duh. She probably has a concussion. Get it together, Kaito.

Mindful of her discomfort, he gently cupped the girl's cheeks with his hands, ensuring their eyes met. "I want you to understand this: facing fewer consequences means being my hostage rather than my accomplice. You're injured, and I can help you, but we need to leave."

Carefully, he let his hands slide off of her face, before tearing a rather large fragment of his clothing off. Then, he used it as a makeshift bandage, wrapping it around her head to help with the bleeding.

However, uncertainty lingered in his expression as he bit his lip, questioning whether she comprehended his words. He added softly, "What I mean is, come with me. Please."

She frowned at his question, thinking it over. He was right. If she was brainwashed or kidnapped or something it took the ownership off of her own decisions. It kept her safer if she ever wanted to return...it kept her from being branded a traitor but...

Was that fair to him? If she chose to come with him, was it fair to let him take the weight of that choice? To take all of the responsibility?

"Can I ask you a question." She asked, staring intently into his eyes as he bound the cloth around her head. Oh how silly she must look.

"Like...ask you." She didn't know how else to word it, "Like...like how I talked to the guard? To Devon?" Why was she even offering him a choice? From what she understood, if it was an innocent enough command people didn't even notice.

But...that crossed a line didn't it? And she found she didn't want to cross that line with him.

Kaito met her gaze with a discerning intensity, carefully parsing the implications of her request. It seemed she alluded to the peculiar influence she held over people, a power not lost on Kaito. Known for his knack for deception and trickery in his line of work, Kaito found himself hesitant to employ his usual tactics with Elowyn. There was an unspoken trust that lingered between them, a sentiment he couldn't quite rationalize.

Despite the uncertainty of their connection, Kaito chose not to weave a web of lies around Elowyn. Perhaps it was the fact that she had come to his aid earlier, or maybe there was something more genuine that drew him to trust her.

The momentary frown etching his lips in contemplation gradually shifted into a subtle smile, a fusion of warmth and newfound confidence in his eyes. "If it puts your mind at ease," he offered, extending an invitation, "then ask away."

This was different than what she'd done before, seemingly more simple but overwhelmingly more complex than what she'd done earlier to Devon. Persuasion of movement was simple. Especially when the person being persuaded to was not completely locked into a set of convictions that ran contrary to the request.

But this? This would ensure truth. She could always tell if someone was lying, but to force there to be complete truth...

She shifted, wincing as she pulled herself up to eye level with Kaito.

"Kaito." The moment she said his name, he would be locked into her request, her pupils dilated slightly and she didn't break her gaze, "Please tell me the truth." There was the command. Now for the question.

"Are you going to hurt me?"

A persistent smile adorned Kaito's face until the moment Elowyn posed her question. Abruptly, his countenance shifted into a more neutral, almost blank expression. With a noticeable slowness, he blinked, and his voice took on a near monotone quality as he responded, "No. I would never hurt you, El."

Another gradual blink, and life returned to his eyes. He regarded Elowyn with a puzzlement in his gaze, prompting him to ask, "Well? What did you want to ask me?"

Elowyn felt the effects of her question almost immediately, possibly more than normal because of her current state, and she slumped forward, her head falling onto his shoulder. She closed her eyes for just a few moments while she tried to keep the room from spinning.

"I already asked it." She told him, slightly concerned, "Do...do you not remember?"

Did it always happen like that? She didn't know. It wasn't a skill she utilized often.

Then she pushed herself up again and nodded, "I'll go with you."

Should he have remembered?

The question echoed in his mind, a fleeting doubt that brushed against his thoughts. Yet, with the urgency of the moment, there was no luxury of dwelling on such uncertainties. Whatever test the enigmatic woman had just subjected him to, it seemed like he had emerged unscathed, and a surge of joy fluttered in his heart. The prospect of having a sharp-witted and curious female companion by his side, for however brief or extended a period, ignited a palpable excitement within him. The intrigue she held only added to the thrill.

"This room is clear!"

The distant call from one of the guards served as a grounding reminder, swiftly pulling Kaito back to the present. Rising to his feet, he extended a hand to her. "Can you walk?" he inquired genuinely, concern reflecting in his eyes. Contemplating whether to wait for a response, he entertained the thought of scooping her up and carrying her regardless.

"I'm certainly going to try." She replied, exhaustion lacing her words, "You're not going to get out of this house carrying me."

She took his hand and used his strength to raise to her feet. She put on a good show, making sure to hide the weakness she was feeling behind a mask of confidence she didn't feel. The test of true nobility, to be sure. You never showed your weakness or the others would eat you alive. Play the game or the game plays you.

"When we get up there...can your skills cloak us both? Or is it only tied to your appearance?" She was trying to figure out how to play this. As a drunk debutant? Leaning on a helpful suitor or chaperone? It was both helpful and...not...that she had changed. On one hand she would stand out as being ridiculously plain amidst a sea of excess, on the other she would be more noticeably her if she was still in that custom gown.

He had never thought of that. Kaito was a master of illusion, so why had he never thought of that? Surely, he would be able to cloak both of them, and not just himself. The idea had never crossed his mind before, but with his powers returning post-dust and confinement, he felt a newfound confidence in its feasibility.

"I think we can make that work, clever girl," he grinned. "How shall we play this? Two lovers, whisking each other away into the night? A tipsy husband and his bashful wife? What scenario will keep us as under the radar as we need right now?"

The prospect of weaving an illusion to obscure their presence ignited a spark of excitement in Kaito, a game played between two partners in crime. He could only hope that his face did give away too much of his sudden glee.

A sigh of relief.

Oh thank Kia. She put on a brave face, but she was struggling. A few steps unassisted might have been the end, but if they could lean on each other covered by his magic? That could work. That she could do.

This could work. This would work. And then she could finally sleep.

"Something where this wouldn't look amiss?" She muttered, linking her arm around his and laying her head on his shoulder. "If you can manage it...I don't want to be a burden."

"Shut up," he teased in retort, "you're not a burden. Let's get out of here."

Kaito, now with Elowyn in tow, retraced their steps through the dimly lit chamber until they reached Lord Harrington's bedroom. Sensing a need for disguise, he focused his art of illusion on transforming their appearances. His own image shifted into that of a less-than-sober nobleman, complete with a flushed face and disheveled attire. Meanwhile, Elowyn underwent a transformation into an older, plump noblewoman, mirroring the state of inebriation. The illusion enveloped them, creating a facade that would hopefully shield them from unwanted attention as they began to navigate their way through the bustling crowd of guests and out the front door.

"Almost there," he whispered. "We just need to go downstairs and out the door. Keep your head on my shoulder, we'll-"

His sentence was cut short over the sound of approached footsteps. Shit. Really? Already?

Anticipating the need for a diversion, Kaito swiftly apologized to Elowyn, murmuring, "I'm sorry about this," before leaning in for a staged kiss. Their lips met briefly, simulating a moment of affection. Just as the illusion unfolded, an audible "ahem" cut through the air. Kaito, now portraying a tipsy nobleman, turned to find Lady Harrington behind them, a scene of supposed passion now exposed.

He flashed the lady of a house an embarrassed smile, making an effort to stay in front of Elowyn just in case the effects began wearing off. "Oh, um, apologies m-ma'am," he quickly stammered. "We did realize this was your room!"

The walk took a lot out of her and she found herself leaning on Kaito more and more with each step. Her breath came in heavy gasps by the top of a set of stairs, but they were now in the room she easily recognized to be her Aunt and Uncles. They were close. His illusion even made her question her own appearance as she glanced down. She could see a little of herself beneath it, but figured that was because she was the skeleton of the illusion itself.

"Ok." She murmured, and then he was apologizing and he was kissing her. Her heart fluttered, then skipped, and all thoughts of exhaustion seemed to be dashed from her head. She was about to say something, to ask questions like what the hell? But, thankfully, she didn't have the chance.

He pulled away and she stumbled, hopefully adding to the inebriated facade as she grasped at his sleeve to keep from falling. She didn't want to say anything. She was too afraid her aunt would know it was her! So she just gaped at her from behind Kaito's shoulder.

"You shouldn't be upstairs at all." Her aunt hissed at them, "Let alone in our private chambers." She glanced around and spotted the bookcase that was still open behind them. Her lips pressed into a firm line.

"Who are you?"

Surprised that the drunken kiss show didn't immediately excuse them from the room, Kaito was even more taken aback when the lady of the household asked for their names. Granted, in the urgency of just getting to this point, he had not realized he left the bookcase open to cover their tracks.

"Lord Theodore Alcott, madam," he attempted to say astutely, injecting a deliberate slur into his speech. "I own the estate just off the riverbank. Perhaps you've heard...?" He let his words trail off, feigning haziness from the alcohol served downstairs.

Without waiting for Lady Harrington's reply, he added in a drunken dismiss, "We apologize for the disturbance. If you'll excuse us." Holding Elowyn even closer, he painted the picture that she was too intoxicated to exchange words and took a calculated gamble to walk past Elowyn's skeptical aunt.

Please let us through. Please let us through.

But she clearly knew more about that bookshelf than either of them realized and she reached out to grab his arm. It was in that moment that Elowyn knew she had to do something, but she also knew it would come at a cost...this wouldn't be the kind of easy manipulation...her aunt didn't want them to leave. She had questions...

But then she paused. There was another way.

Oh Kia...

She held onto Kaito tightly, then let out what she hoped sounded like a drunken giggle, and peered around his shoulder.

"We loooved those pictures." She giggled again, "So sexy."

The color drained from her Aunt's face and she let Kaito go, eyes glancing over at the books where Elowyn had found the images before. Then she let go and practically shoed them from the room without a second glance.

Oh she's good. By gods, Kaito might be in love again.

But this was no time for such romantic whimsy, they needed to escape. Once they were out of the room, he guided Elowyn down the stairs and whispered, "you're a good act, and a good kisser."

Navigating through the lively, inebriated crowd was next, and Kaito and Elowyn needed to play their roles as a pair of tipsy nobles. The party had reached its peak, the air filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. With an illusionary facade, they held each other for apparent support, blending seamlessly into the intoxicated revelry.

Carefully, they made their way through the crowd, their movements synchronized to the rhythm of the celebration. Kaito exchanged slurred pleasantries with fellow partygoers, creating the illusion of two individuals thoroughly enjoying the festivities. Their destination, the front door, loomed ahead as they continued their charade, skillfully navigating the tipsy throng.

She let him lead her. Her head was pounding so much by this point that it took all of her strength to manage the laughter and music. Even the clinking of glasses and dishes being collected by servants was enough to bring tears to her eyes. For a time she was forced to simply close them and hope Kaito's deft movements wouldn't be hindered as they moved.

Everything existed in flashes and she realized after a few minutes, or maybe more than a few, she was losing time. Her feet still moved, but her brain was at the verge of shutting her down. She needed to rest. But Kia, so did he! She wasn't the only one who was hurting and would even argue that he must be worse off than she. How long had he been down there? How long had they questioned him while she stared at the bed canopy? But one forceful maneuver sent her reeling?

Not that she knew much about head injuries. In her mind she was being delicate. She was being a burden.

So she kept her mouth shut and let him lead while she slowly slipped in and out of consciousness. Had to keep moving. Had to keep moving...

Kaito continued to provide steadfast support to Elowyn under the cloaked appearance, skillfully navigating through the lively and somewhat inebriated crowd of nobles gathered at the Harrington Estate. The grand entrance loomed ahead, tantalizingly close, and Kaito could practically sense the freedom awaiting them. Summoning one last burst of determination, they subtly slipped through the door, seamlessly blending into the characters they had assumed for the evening.

As they descended the steps leading to the estate's expansive grounds, Kaito felt the subtle unraveling of their illusion. The magical facade that had shielded them from prying eyes and gossiping whispers began to dissipate. Elowyn's, in particular, was fading fast.

Sensing the urgency of the situation, Kaito briskly guided them out of the immediate view of the revelry, his focus set on fully dispelling the illusion before addressing Elowyn's condition. With a subtle wave of his hand, the magical disguise dissipated like morning mist, revealing their true forms.

Turning his worried gaze toward Elowyn, he couldn't ignore the signs of distress. It was clear she had sustained a concussion. While Kaito possessed some basic healing abilities, he knew they were far from a substitute for proper medical care. Unfortunately, the prospect of reaching a skilled healer seemed distant.

Taking matters into his own hands, he gently scooped Elowyn into his arms, wincing at the pain shooting through his ribs from the earlier altercation. Urgency fueled his movements as he fled into the shelter of the nearby wooded thicket, aiming to put a considerable distance between them and the crowded estate. The canopy above offered a semblance of concealment, providing a momentary reprieve from prying eyes.

Once safely ensconced within the shadows of the trees, Kaito carefully lowered Elowyn to the ground, his expression etched with concern. "Elowyn, can you hear me?" he asked softly, his hands hovering over her in a tentative attempt to assess the extent of her injuries. The distant sounds of the revelry faded into the background as he focused on the task at hand, determined to do whatever it took to ensure her well-being.

As she slid to the ground, a sigh escaped her lips and she found herself going limp. She was so tired. So, so tired. She could just take a rest here and then they could keep going, right? It wouldn't hurt...

But then he said her name, her full name, and she was compelled to tell the truth. Ignoring him would be a lie in this instance and...well...he said her name. She couldn't lie.

"Yes." She tried to swallow but her throat was so dry it didn't help.

"Sorry..." she closed her eyes and felt her head resting against...something. Whether earth or a tree or Kaito himself she couldn't tell nor did she care at the moment to find out, "I'm just tired. Can I rest for a moment? Just a moment...I'll be fine after that..."

She was such a burden. He should just leave her and save himself. Her family would find her and take care of her. Right?

A pair of dark eyes watched the two of them from the trees, contemplating; concerned. But they just observed. What would the fox do? They could tell from here that the girl needed help. Would he help her?

Kaito's composure began to shatter as panic tightened its grip on him, his concern for Elowyn's condition escalating. He's had a companion for all of ten seconds and now she might die on his watch. With a conflicted expression, he agreed to let her rest but urgently cautioned, "You need to stay awake, Elowyn. Promise me." The weight of worry was evident in his eyes.

Driven by a frantic sense of responsibility, Kaito rushed to scour the wooded thicket for herbs that could potentially ease the pain in Elowyn's head. His hands trembled as he gathered the ingredients, nervously fumbling through the foliage. Despite his efforts, the healing concoction he crafted seemed to lack its usual potency - regardless, he had to try.

Kaito carefully applied the herbal remedies he had hastily concocted to Elowyn's skin, his hands moving with a mixture of urgency and precision. The forest around them remained hushed, amplifying the gravity of the situation. Despite his best efforts, a frown etched itself onto Kaito's face as he observed Elowyn's pain and disorientation persisting, disappointment welling within him. The healing properties of the herbs seemed sluggish, failing to bring the relief he had hoped for.

"Stay with me," he whispered, hovering anxiously over  Elowyn, and watching for any sign of improvement. "Stay with me."

During the tension, a strange sensation then prickled at the edge of Kaito's awareness. A presence, which almost felt otherworldly, lingered around them, a stark contrast to the nobles at the estate. His senses heightened, Kaito's gaze darted through the shadows, attempting to discern the source of this ethereal presence.

"Is someone there?"

She nodded breathlessly to his request, but the moment he disappeared to find the herbs needed to help, the quiet of the woods enveloped her and lulled her into unconsciousness. When he returned her chest continued to rise and fall, but her breathing was shallow and her hands cold. Neither of them could have known just how much damage that guard had done when he slammed her against the stone. She was a small woman, after all, and his entire job was being strong enough to break prisoners.

As he panicked, the figure in the shadow continued to watch; intrigued but still concerned. The girl was still. They could hear the shallowness of her breathing. They could sense the pain waning of one of their own.

"Will you come?" The figure stepped from the trees, a silver light seemingly coming from the within illuminating their features. They were fair, so fair they appeared almost translucent, with hair that matched the moonlight. Their body was covered in what appeared to be gossamer type wings and their eyes...he would recognize those eyes. They were identical to Elowyn's.

"Will you come?" They asked again.

In the ethereal glow of the otherworldly beings emerging from the thicket, Kaito stood in awe, a sense of wonder and caution mingling within him. He observed them with a discerning gaze, an instinctive feeling assuring him that these beings posed no threat to him or Elowyn. As the pieces of the mysterious puzzle began to fall into place, he couldn't help but entertain the notion that these creatures might be what he had only encountered in books—Fae.

A peculiar realization struck him as he scrutinized their enchanting eyes, mirroring the captivating hues of Elowyn's gaze. Was Elowyn somehow connected to them? Was she... ? Before he could delve into the depths of that revelation, the Fae extended an invitation, their voices carrying an otherworldly melody.

"Will you come?" they asked, and in response, Kaito gently scooped Elowyn into his arms once more, cradling her against him as he carefully carried her from beneath her legs. The pain in his ribs intensified, but determination fueled his steps as he approached the Fae and the radiant light they emitted.

In a hushed tone, laden with both desperation and unexplainable trust, Kaito implored, "Please help her."

They smiled, more appearing from behind them, peering at the two with curious eyes. Come. Come. Come with us. they sang out in the quiet whispers of a choir. And as Kaito scooped up Elowyn and followed, they whispered both of their names - voices overlapping in a quiet, unnerving cacophony.

And as he stepped forward the forest changed. The surroundings seemingly stayed the same but the color shifted, and then shifted again, and moonlight touched everything despite the canopy that clearly covered the wood. Their clothing looked more ethereal and moved as if by an indiscernible wind that touched nothing by whatever fabric encompassed them. The leader, the one who had been watching them from the trees in their realm, was joined by a dozen more, all with the same eyes - dark, flecked with silver, and larger than humans but not so large the whites were missing. Just enough that they were different. Just enough to be otherworldly.

When they spoke it was as if they all spoke at once both out loud and within their minds, "Come."

And then another approached and reached for Elowyn. It was impossible to tell them apart. Impossible to know if they were male, female, or neither entirely.

"We will heal her." And then a gentle hand pressed against Kaito's ribs, "We will heal you."

The ethereal whispers of the fae echoed in Kaito's mind, their otherworldly requests creating an atmosphere of tranquility. Before he could articulate his thoughts, a wince escaped him as their touch reached his ribs.

"Go easy, plea-"

He attempted to request gentleness, but his words were swiftly silenced. "We will heal you," they said again in harmonious unison. "We will heal Kaito. We will heal Elowyn."

An unexpected sensation enveloped him – the pain, the bruises, the fractures, all gradually dissolving in a manner unlike any healing he had experienced. He listened to the gentle crunches, the sound of his bones seemingly snapping back together beneath his skin, and a warm sensation spread within him, akin to the comforting warmth of red wine.

Instinctively, he reached for Elowyn's hand, fearing the possibility of being separated. In the enchanting glow of the Fae, he was too absorbed to discern whether it was her hand or one of the Fae's that he grasped.

But Elowyn was gone. The moment she was removed from his arms she, and the fae that held her, disappeared into the forest. Or, more aptly, faded and became the forest. Or, something. The fae realm wasn't like the physical realm. It was alive. It was breathing. It shifted around them. Even now the pair had been missing from their world for two weeks. In another minute it could be a few seconds or maybe a month.

Once he was healed, another fae took his hand, "Come." They told him, urged him.

Kaito? a voice whispered in the back of his mind, or perhaps it didn't. Nothing worked here like it should, Kaito... it sounded like Elowyn, it was Elowyn. The moment they crossed into the faerie realm it was like a switch and went off in her head and she could feel everything.

Kaito don't...don't eat the food. Don't drink....

And then her voice faded like she was drifting off to sleep.

"Fear not, Kaito Mori." A louder voice spoke, though it was still mingled with the choir, "We take care of our own. Come. Come speak with me."

Enveloped in the enchanting allure of the Fae realm, he finds himself captivated by its mystical wonders. However, his reverie is abruptly shattered when he realizes that Elowyn is no longer by his side. Despite the otherworldly haze that clouds his senses, a flicker of panic ignites within him as he frantically searches for her presence. Just as uncertainty tightens its grip, her voice reaches his ears.

Kaito don't...don't eat the food. Don't drink....

Don't eat the food... ?

And then, another voice.

"Come. Come speak with me."

A mysterious beckoning resonates through the ethereal air, compelling him to move, almost as if under a spell. In the midst of the enchantment, a torrent of questions floods his mind, and he attempts to call out to Elowyn. "Where is she?" he asks the voice, though the uncertainty lingers as he's unsure who exactly he's addressing.

The fae take his hands gently and pull him through the woods. As they walk the forest shifts until the trees bend around them like a tunnel with a glowing silver light towards the end where sounds of joviality and revelry are coming from. As they draw closer fae of all sizes were dancing together with goblets of wine in their hands and flowers in their hair.

At the front of the forest room were a few steps and then a seat where another fae sat with a circlet of gold upon her brow and vine-like rings on her fingers. Beside her, lying on a bed of moss, lay Elowyn with two fae gently stroking her head in circular motions. She was covered in a blanket that looked identical to the iridescent clothing each of the fae wore.

She was breathing, but her eyes were closed.

"Come, Kaito Mori," the woman on the throne said, extending her hand to showcase the party, "Join us. Eat. Drink. Rest. Elowyn will be healed. We take care of our own."

As Kaito followed the fae through the forest, a whimsical scene unfolded before his eyes. Luxurious food adorned tables, fae danced in graceful circles, and goblets of wine sparkled in the ambient light. The whole atmosphere was enchanting, filled with heavenly smells that tickled his senses, creating a surreal experience in the heart of the forest.

Despite the dreamlike haze enveloping him, Kaito stood in awe before the woman on the throne, her words reaching him with an inexplicable sense of comfort. "Please eat, Kaito Mori," she beckoned, "eat, drink, rest. We will take care of you here."

In response, a plate of food materialized before him, tempting him to indulge in their hospitality. However, Elowyn's caution echoed in his mind – a reminder not to partake.

Don't eat the food. Don't drink."

"Very kind, but I'll have to pass," Kaito declined, though the low growl of his stomach betrayed his words. His gaze shifted to Elowyn, and he inquired of the fae on the throne, "What... what are they doing?" His eyes remained fixed on Elowyn, seeking answers.

"Healing her." She had one translucent finger pressed against her temple as she watched Kaito intently. With his first refusal of food, some of her ethereal qualities, while still there, they were lessened almost. The Faerie Queen even leaned forward slightly as if to get a better look at her guest.

"She was injured. Quite more than you could imagine. Minds are more difficult to mend."

She waved her hand again and another plate of food seemingly rose from the floor with a bowl of Kaito's favorite food perched on top.

"Eat. It was prepared especially for you Kaito Mori." And then she thought for a moment.

"You tried to heal her. Why? You don't know her. You only just met. Why her? Of all the women that dance in your eyes, why Elowyn?"

It was a thought-provoking question—one that left him grappling for a suitable response. He and the girl had just crossed paths, and considering his line of work, she could be perceived as a potential liability or even a hindrance as he navigated the perilous journey of procuring artifacts for his employer.

Kaito harbored a soft spot for women in general, but they remained distant fantasies, not something he actively pursued. He had long convinced himself that his lifestyle couldn't accommodate a lasting relationship.

However, Elowyn was different. She had assisted him, standing out from the other muses in his world and piquing his interest. Grateful for her help and bound by a promise to abduct her—a commitment he did not take lightly—Kaito found himself owing her a debt.

As he gazed at the tempting food before him, its aroma more alluring than anything he had ever encountered, he fought the inner struggle of his growling stomach. With a delicate push, he declined once again. "Why her?" he echoed the question, attempting to articulate an answer. "Because she's my partner."

The Faerie Queen thought for a moment, settling back in her chair without letting her black eyes waiver from Kaito. She didn't even blink as the silence persisted. Even the revelry had seemingly faded into the forest while they spoke, but it had done so so stealthily that on could easily have missed it. The food vanished, the music ceased, and the moonlight trickled through the glade like whispers of things yet to come.

Then she held her hand up, almost lazily, and the two fae tending to Elowyn stood, bowed, and faded into stardust.

"It is time for you to leave this realm, Kaito Mori. It is not the hour that she returns to us, nor is it time for you to pay the price for our assistance." She stood and took a step towards him, hands clasped loosely before her, "When we call, you will answer. Honor your word and we shall be...friends."

Then the forest began to regain color. The silver mist that shrouded everything began to lift. Soon, the only thing remaining of the Faerie Realm was distant echo of the queen's final words, Honor your word.

It was nighttime in the same wood they had been in after the party, but they were miles away from their original location and were within a ring of mushrooms just off the forest path. Elowyn stirred in the patch of grass before Kaito, and behind him, on a nearby tree, was a poster with both of their likenesses and the words:

As the forest gradually reclaimed its vibrant hues, shifting back to its natural state, Kaito's haze-like demeanor snapped back to reality. However, the surroundings were not familiar; the transition from the fae realm had brought them to a nighttime landscape. Questions flooded his mind—had only a few hours passed, or was it an entire day? Time seemed to warp within the enchanting realm, leaving him bewildered.

His attention shifted to Elowyn, and a slight widening of his eyes signaled the realization that they were somewhere else. Swiftly moving towards her, Kaito knelt down to meet her eyes. With a comforting grin, he inquired, "You okay?" There was genuine concern in his voice, but he put on the playful act for her sake.

For the moment, the wanted poster had eluded the kitsune. His focus was entirely on, in his words, his partner.

Her eyelids fluttered a few times as consciousness returned, and then she pushed herself up with a gasp and turned towards Kaito, eyes wide and one hand pressed to her forehead.

"Oh. Oh. Kia help me, I'm so sorry! I asked for a few moments rest and I must have fallen asleep." Her eyes darted around, trying to get a handle on their location. It was...the forest. That's all she could figure out upon a quick glance.

"How long was I out? Are you ok? We...we made it out? You got us out?" Gods she was a useless weight. Sure couldn't even help with an escape!

..Did she not remember?

Kaito keenly sensed Elowyn's disorientation and the underlying currents of franticness. While beside her, he offered a sly smile, a touch of warmth in his eyes. With a gentle reassurance, he took her hands in his, giving them a comforting squeeze.

"Hey," he spoke softly, his tone a blend of understanding and support. "Slow down. We made it out." His eyes searched hers, gauging the depth of her recollection, and in that silent exchange, he also took notice of the miraculous healing she had undergone during that time. "How much do you remember?"

She raised an eyebrow as he reached for her hands, asking what she remembered, but she didn't take them away. He had gotten them out and they were both ok. Not only that, but he had told her he wouldn't hurt her and she knew it was true. Perhaps it was silly to base her whole opinion about him on one simple question that could still be true with many different interpretations of his assurances but...

She did trust him. She trusted him only moments after they'd met because he hadn't lied that second time.

Foolish. It really was foolish wasn't it?

"We got away from my Aunt." She replied, as if this was the simplest question ever asked, "You carried me down the steps and into the woods where you let me rest. And now we're here..." but why would he be asking her if that were the case?

"That's...that's not what happened is it?" She asked, voice low and concerned. She looked around the forest again, keen eyes spotting the circle of mushrooms and then landing on the poster just behind Kaito's head.

"Kaito...where are we? What happened?"

"It was.."

He stopped.

As Kaito considered revealing the truth about the Fae to Elowyn, a cloud of worry enveloped his thoughts. The memories of the event lingered vividly in his mind, but for her, they were shrouded in the veil of forgetfulness. A gnawing concern tugged at his consciousness – a conflict between the desire to share the truth and the fear that doing so might place her in unforeseen danger.

Recollections of the Fae's warning echoed in his mind, their cryptic message urging him to heed their call. If she specifically didn't remember, would unraveling those memories pose a threat to her well-being? The inner struggle played out in the chambers of his mind and the depths of his heart, torn between the responsibility to protect her and the inclination to share the hidden truths that could reshape her understanding of their shared experiences. It was a delicate balance, a battle waged within, as he grappled with the weight of decisions that could impact Elowyn's safety and peace of mind.

Then, after several moments of silence, he let out a shuddering breath, and tried to provide a fragment of the truth.

"You were really hurt," he then said, letting his fingers disentangle from hers and his arms sliding back to his side. "I carried you here, trying to get further away from the party and.. some people helped us. Helped you. That's about it, and.."

His eyes followed hers when they landed on the poster, and he quickly stood and moved to it on the tree. Picking it off of the bark and holding it in his hand, he read the bounty and studied the drawing of them.

Shit. "This could be a problem," he muttered under his breath.

The little tickle in the back of her head when someone was lying was quiet, but the length of the silence that existed between her question and his answer sent her intuition reeling. She was about to speak when he stood and plucked the poster off of the tree. She hadn't looked close enough to read the text, but it was impossible to ignore their faces staring back at them.

She stood and followed closely behind him, peeking around his shoulder to take a closer look. Her heart nearly stopped in her chest in that very moment.

"How long was I out?" She asked, unable to tear her eyes away. If posters were already hung and rewards being offered....

"How long, Kaito? What people?"

"I, um... I'm not sure," he stammered, his eyes reflecting a mix of panic and genuine uncertainty. "Time felt elusive. It didn't seem very long, but... days? Weeks?"

Swallowing hard, he grappled with the dilemma of how to navigate this conversation without revealing too much. Why was he so scared to tell her?

The truth loomed in his words, and a sense of dread lingered as he continued. "There were these people... or beings. Their eyes, they were just like yours. They healed you, and then healed me. Look!"

With a swift motion, he lifted his shirt, exposing his torso where bruises and cuts from the torture would have marred the surface. Instead, it appeared as if nothing had ever happened. "I understand how it sounds," he added, a note of desperation in his voice. "But it's true. I promise!"

Elowyn couldn't tell if he was being elusive on purpose or if he wasn't sure what had happened to them. Once again she knew he was telling the truth but that didn't mean it was the full truth or simply the truth as he saw it. There were so many ways around the truth without actually telling a lie.

But it didn't matter. She knew immediately what had happened to them and why they were both so disoriented. You didn't live in Serendipity, in Fallial, and not be well versed in your own heritage.

"Kaito..." she said slowly, taking his face in her hands to force him to look at her, but not because she was using her skills on him, no, but to make a human connection with him. She needed him to stay grounded. She needed him to stay calm herself.

"Kaito, it was the Fae, wasn't it? It...were we in the Faerie Realm?" She felt panic rising in her chest, making her heart beat faster and her throat tight, "My...my eyes look like them because I am them. The Harringtons aren't blood related, not to me. My father is married to Lord Harrington's sister."

She paused, concerned that he might look at her differently or decide she wasn't worth the hassle anymore. He remember the Faerie Realm and she did not. She'd never been there before in her life but she had heard stories about how it could change you.

This revelation might make her an enemy.

"Please...don't be afraid of me...My birth mother is one of them but that doesn't mean that's who I am."

Kaito's face displayed a mix of puzzlement and caution as Elowyn cupped his face, unraveling the intricacies of her connection to the Fae. Gradually, as she concluded, his expression shifted into a scolding look, though beneath the stern facade, there was a playful and reassuring glint she could not yet see.

"Really, Elowyn," he chided lightly, "this is something. I think I am afraid.." The corners of his lips betrayed the hint of a mischievous smile, letting her in on the playful tone behind the mock scolding, before adding. "That I might not be interesting enough for you now! And here I thought we'd be a good match."

He shot her a wink, a desperate attempt at lightening the mood. Of course this has changed nothing between them. Honestly, he was happy she already knew - made explaining things much easier. However, that didn't mean that he was any less fascinated by her and this newfound revelation.

"Come on, El," he teased again. "I know we've only just met, but give an ridiculously handsome guy some credit."

Her hands fell from his face slowly as she watched his eyes, trying to determine if there was some underlying thing that he wasn't voicing. But he was right, they had only just met and besides identifying outright lies, she didn't know him at all.

"Ok..." she replied, only half believing him. It might not change anything between them now, but later?

"I don't remember anything." She took a step back to put a more appropriate amount of distance between them, "My last memory is lying down in the forest with you and then...woke up here." She looked again at the wanted poster and felt a shiver run the length of her spine and continue to the tips of her toes.

"I think...I think we were there for a long time...this poster doesn't look new, does it?" She chewed on her lower lip in concerned concentration, "What do we do now? What...was your plan before all of this happened? When you decided I was coming with you?"

"You might be right."

As Kaito scrutinizes the bounty poster, the edges bear the telltale signs of aging, resembling weathered parchment worn by the hands of time. Faint lines, like tiny wrinkles, have etched themselves around the details, whispering of weeks that slipped away unnoticed. The once vibrant colors of the ink have mellowed into a slightly faded hue, mirroring the passage of time that has silently woven its threads through the paper.

He carefully folded the poster, securing it in his pocket, and turned his gaze back to Elowyn, who had seemingly distanced herself.

Admitting, "My initial focus was ensuring your safety and tending to your wounds," he confessed that his plan beyond that lacked robustness. "Afterward, my intentions were either to discreetly return you or invite you to join me on the next assignment."

The looming job persisted in his thoughts; despite the situation, he needed to fulfill the obligations for which he was handsomely paid. The retrieval of the artifact at the Harrington estate had to be postponed, but two more awaited his attention as per his employer's request.

Softly muttering a defeated apology, he conceded, "Everything happen so fast, and in the excitement of getting to know you, I didn't give much consideration to the aftermath. I.. I can take you back, it seems as if they're after me. Would you be safe there?"

Her initial, gut reaction was to nod at his question about safety, but she stopped halfway through and her brow furrowed. Would she be safe? Truly? She had never seen her Uncle like that before, the anger alone was reflected in their short conversation and that didn't even go into the wounds that Kaito himself had sustained during his interrogation.

"I don't know." She finally replied, eyes gazing at one of the mushrooms at the far edge of the ring where she had woken. She rubbed her hands against her eyes and shook her head, "I truly don't know...the Harringtons have never liked me. They...I...my existence is constant proof of my father's infidelity."

She sighed and looked back up at him with her head tilted to the side, "But I'm not exactly easy to hide. I stand out. I have no skills that could help you unless you need me to do some needlework or run a household for a future spouse." Her eyes rolled at that, "If I stay with you you'll be putting yourself in danger."

Kaito's expression shifted from a smirk to sympathy, eventually settling on a slight irritation, particularly at her mention of being a household maid. "Enough, El," he interjected decisively. "The Harringtons may not appreciate you, but I do. I'm not looking for a household maid; I need Elowyn. You should give yourself more credit; I've witnessed your capabilities for myself."

He theatrically knelt before her, gesturing dramatically with his hands. "Danger is my middle name, no big deal," he remarked. "And, as I mentioned earlier, I'm fully committed to 'kidnapping' you. If you're on board, let's do this, but no more degrading yourself. You're more than that."

She blinked, staring down at him as he gazed up like a suitor proposing to a lady. Who even was this person? Was...was this his personality or was it a disguise? Did it matter? It was ridiculous. It was unlike anything she'd experienced in her life. Everyone was either an entire person made up of lies or they were just boring copies of their fathers. But Kaito? He wasn't lying to her. He was odd, he was...charming?

Oh Kia the Faerie Realm had changed her hadn't it?

She held out her hand to him, "Well then, Kaito Mori. I accept your proposal. How would you like this kidnapping to work?"

Kaito's eyes and ears perked up, and he eagerly rose to his feet, clapping his hands together. "Alright! Tying people up is so last year; I prefer more of a Stockholm syndrome situation."

Scanning their surroundings for signs and scents that might guide them to a nearby town, he paused before taking a step forward, glancing over his shoulder to flash her a coy grin. "Just kidding. Let's go. Although time has passed, it's not wise for us to linger here. I can cloak us long enough to navigate through town and secure rooms at an inn. Two rooms, of course—I'm a gentleman."

She nodded. A tickle of anxiety building in her stomach as butterflies turned to bees that were beginning to swarm. What was she doing? This is crazy...this whole situation was crazy! She should just go back, face her family and rejoin the world that she knew.

He stepped forward and Elowyn found herself glancing back, pulling the shawl around her simple cotton dress from a chill that came from inside of her rather than the air itself. She scanned the mushrooms, the grass that had been her bed, and then movement caught her eye and she found herself staring at a solitary Fae with a single finger placed in their lips. Say nothing. her mind echoed with the instructions, though she heard nothing.

Then the figure pointed to Elowyn's pocket and faded into the air.

Her pocket.

One hand slipped inside and she found what felt like a chain with a small pendant of some kind. But she had been instructed to say nothing...and the fae were not to be trifled with.

So she said nothing.

"Ok." Nervousness laced her words, "These woods look different from the ones just around my uncle's estate. We might be further away than we realized." She took a breath, and tried to smile, "Lead on, captor."

Kaito, a kitsune with his unmistakable ears and tails, tapped into his heightened senses to guide Elowyn out of the wooded labyrinth. His nose twitched as he caught whiffs of tavern aromas long before they could reach human perception. With each confident step, he led her through the foliage, following the savory scents that wafted on the breeze.

As they approached the edge of the woods, the sounds of a small town became more apparent. Kaito, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, stopped just short of the town's entrance. Sensing it was time to employ his magical prowess, he whispered an incantation to cloak their identities.

In the midst of his enchantment, a playful twist of his magic occurred, and an unexpected glitch transpired. When the magical cloak settled, Kaito found himself adorned in the form of a woman with perfect curves, while Elowyn stood transformed into the sturdy appearance of a man. Blinking in surprise, Kaito couldn't help but burst into laughter at the unforeseen outcome.

"Okay, good enough I suppose," came his words in the voice of a sultry woman. "Shall we, good sir?"

Elowyn couldn't do anything but stare as Kaito transformed before her and a quick glance down showed her own illusion taking place. Her mouth dropped in surprise and he grabbed his arm with rising alarm.

"What am I supposed to do?" She hissed, jumping at the low voice that came from her own lips, "I don't know how to do this! I...I...am I suppose to lead you??"

She tried to keep her voice low, not wanting to draw attention, but realizing how this exchange must look to others now that their roles were reversed. They weren't so far away and could be spotted. She released him like his arm was hot and took a step back. The panic was clear on her face and she forced herself to take some breaths.

A sly smile adorned Kaito's now full, womanly lips as he smoothly revealed her hand from behind his back. "You lead? Oh, honey, watch me work."

He reveled a bit too much in the role, playfully pulling her through the sparse crowd—a confident vision with a charming companion in tow. Upon reaching the inn, "she" practically sauntered to the counter to address the innkeeper. "Dear boy, we'll need two rooms tonight," Kaito declared. Glancing back at his companion before returning his gaze to the innkeeper, he added, "He won't be getting lucky tonight. A lady must set boundaries."

"Of course, madam," the innkeeper earnestly responded, searching for room keys beneath the counter. After a moment, he looked up with a hint of hesitation and an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, ma'am; we currently only have one room available."

Kaito feigned disappointment, casting Elowyn, or rather "Edgar," a brief glance before shrugging and nodding in understanding. "One room it is." He then shot an expectant look at Elowyn. "Pay the man."

Elowyn didn't have time to react or object before woman-Kaito was practically dragging her through the little town. She stumbled over her own feet a few times, much to her dismay, and hadn't even begun to regain her composure before they were at an inn and he...she...was demanding two rooms.

That was a relief for all of about two seconds before that small hope was shattered. One room. Just the one. With a man she hardly knew.

Oh Kia help me, she pleaded silently while a blush rose in her cheeks that she couldn't contain. How silly must she look? Or...he look. How silly it must look for a young man to be so taken aback by such an innocent exchange.

"I..." she panicked. She had to talk. She had to pay the innkeep. She didn't have any money! Maybe if she had been whisked away before she'd changed from her evening gown...but no. Even then she didn't just carry around a purse. It wasn't needed. She'd never needed to carry her own money in her entire life.

This was a mistake. This was a Gods awful mistake.

"I don't have any money." She looked at Kaito pleadingly.

Oh, of course. He should have thought about that. Now he felt bad. Still, had to put in a good show.

Kaito, or rather, "Lady Katherine" at the moment, scoffed and rolled her eyes before giving the innkeeper another appraising glance. Leaning on the counter with illusionary curves pressed firmly against the surface, he sighed and playfully pouted. "Men these days," Kaito remarked, handing the man payment for the night. "Here, honey, keep the change."

Stretching upright, he turned to Elowyn, his masked face now beaming with excitement as his back faced the desk clerk. Dramatically grabbing her hand, he exclaimed, "Come, dear. I'll need help getting out of these boots."

Once they ascended the stairs and entered the room, Kaito released a deep breath, and the illusion dissolved, revealing their true forms.

"Easy enough," he remarked while locking the door. "You make quite the handsome gentleman."

Again, Elowyn was practically dragged up the stairs as he heart raged against her chest and her mind kept screaming they'll know, they'll know, they'll KNOW!!

Her feet couldn't remember how walking worked and once they were in the room she stumbled past him and barely caught herself on the bed just as the door locked and the illusion faded. When he turned around all she could do was stare at him, eyes wild with anxiety. Without realizing it, her hand had snuck inside the pocket of her dress and had a death grip on the chain she'd been gifted.

"What...what was that?" Her voice shook, "How are you smiling?"

Kaito tilted his head momentarily, a smile gracing his features. "I always smile," he remarked, the playfulness evident. However, as he observed her a bit longer, he noticed signs of her disorientation: wild eyes, a flushed face, and an overall sense of unease. Considering that the "plan" seemed to go smoothly in his perception, he couldn't pinpoint the issue. Approaching her, he gently placed a hand on her forehead and inquired, "Do you have a fever? You don't look so good."

She recoiled slightly when he reached and touched her forehead and she slapped it away, annoyed now more than anything else.

"What? No, I don't have a fever." She balked. The movement to get away from him pushed her knees back on the bed and she fell with a thump. Her heart was racing and she wasn't sure what to do anymore. All of this was so out of her element. The fae, Kaito himself, simply being away from home not to mention being on the run.

"I just...I don't know how to do this, Kaito. I'm...I'm the daughter of a fae and a Serenian nobleman. I've barely gone further than my own front step and now...now I met you and I've been to the Faerie Realm of all places and now I'm a fugitive." She pulled her hand from her pocket and clasped them together to give her head a resting place while it all sunk in.

The soft panic in Elowyn's demeanor halted Kaito's usual playfulness, his expression transforming into a blend of understanding and genuine concern. With a deliberate measure, he positioned himself at the edge of the bed, maintaining a comforting proximity without crowding her.

"Look," he addressed her slowly, sensing the weight of her unease. "I'm the fugitive, not you. And you may not believe me, but..." His words trailed off momentarily as he weighed their significance. Shifting to face her, he locked eyes with a gaze that transcended his typical lighthearted demeanor, revealing a sincerity rarely glimpsed.

"I'll keep you safe," he asserted, the assurance in his voice unwavering. "I won't hurt you, and I won't let anything happen to you. You can do this, I know you can.. but at any moment you want out - I'll get you home."

She nodded, recognizing the truth of his words and also accepting that they didn't make her feel better. As much as he said he was the fugitive, she was choosing to be with him. She had agreed back in her Uncle's underground labyrinth to go with him, which meant anything bad that happened to him would be entirely her fault.

It was a huge responsibility. A huge weight.

While trying to process everything she finally looked around at their small little place for the night. She didn't know how late it was, nor how long they would be able to stay. She also didn't know how much help she could be in all of this but Kaito had so much faith in her it was dizzying. But that wasn't the most immediate problem and she felt a heavy blush rise in her cheeks.

"...there's only one bed." Her words were so quiet they were almost a squeak.

Upon casting his gaze toward the solitary bed in the inn's room, Kaito's mind began to whirl with conflicting thoughts. The image of the bed seemed to trigger an inner debate, a clash between his instinctive mischief and a newfound sense of gentlemanly responsibility for Elowyn's sake.

The mischievous side of him whispered, "Oh, Kaito, my boy, this is your chance for a romantic escapade. Let the sparks fly in this enchanted setting!"

Yet, a more restrained voice within him argued, "Come now, be a proper gentleman. Respect her space and the circumstances. Romance can wait for another magical turn."

Caught between these opposing forces, Kaito found himself in a mental tug-of-war. One moment, he envisioned a grandiose, magical gesture; the next, he grappled with the notion of maintaining a decorous distance. The bed, with its potential for romance and mischief, became the stage for this internal struggle.

In the end, Kaito showed no signs of where his mind was at, looked Elowyn dead in the eyes, and said, "Yes there is."

And that was it. No suggestion, no commitment one way or another, just facts. Somehow that was worse than if he had just been overly forward. There was so much unsaid in that simple sentence but she couldn't figure out exactly what was being hidden between the lines.

She stood, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders and stepped towards the window where she glanced out at the darkened streets.

"You take it." She urged, "I was asleep the entire time we were spirited away,  but I can't imagine you had time to rest." If he had rested there was a strong likelihood that he wouldn't even be here right now. The fae took hospitality very seriously and even so much as a sip of wine was enough for a person to be trapped there forever. Either they let him go, disenchanted him if you will, or he had refused to partake of their revelry.

Curious.

Kaito was one for mischief, she could see it in his eyes. If he had denied it, she would have a much deeper appreciation for his resolve and his character. If they had let him go...

She didn't want to think about it. It could be harmless, or it could just as easily be more sinister. And the fae never forgot a debt.

The pendant weighed heavily in her pocket.

It seemed she also was indebted to them.

As a sense of inner conflict toyed with his emotions, Kaito couldn't help but frown when Elowyn generously offered the bed. Silly as it may seem, the notion of being a gentleman tugged at him. Aware that politeness should guide his actions, he made a scripted decision.

"No, ma'am, you take the bed," he declared, his tone carrying finality. Taking a step closer, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, guiding her toward the bed as if orchestrating a dance, and then promoting her to sit.

As Elowyn was somewhat forcefully set onto the bed, Kaito's keen senses picked up a subtle shuffling sound emanating from her pockets. His fox-like ears twitched instinctively in response to the noise, acknowledging the presence of.. something. Although tempted to inquire about it, he opted for discretion, choosing not to address it directly, however his eyes flicked briefly to the source area.

"But I'm not tired!" She objected, though not forcefully enough to deter him from grabbing her and depositing her onto the bed anyways, "You need to rest much more than I do."

But there she was, once again sitting on the bed, staring up at her chosen kidnapper with a flush in her cheeks. Not that this flush was one of embarrassment or even maidenly propriety, but the kind that followed brief moments of frustration.

"Kaito, I mean it. I am quite well rested. Please. Once you've slept a bit, if you still insist, we can alternate but you don't need to treat me like some Lady." How ridiculous did that sound? She was some lady. Of course he would feel obligated to treat her as such! In fact, and she hated to admit it, she probably would have felt a small amount of annoyance if this dance hadn't happened in the first place. In her world it was his job to offer and her job to insist.

Yet another example of just how not cut out for this she was.

"I do insist," he retorted sharply, his gaze lifting from her pocket to meet her eyes. "I feel fine. The Fae did a miraculous job with my wounds, and I'm a bit restless anyways. You, on the other hand," he began, turning away to peer out of the window, scanning the outside area through the glass, "need rest. It would make me feel better if you did."

While Kaito acknowledged that a nap might do him good, the restlessness within him prevailed. The need to step outside and discern their whereabouts, plan their next moves, tugged at his instincts. Despite the perception others might have of him as someone always with a plan or trick up his sleeve, beyond the veneer of confidence and charisma, he often operated on the fly. The morning demanded a measure of certainty for her, something more substantial than a mere "let's see what happens."

The bite in his voice was so different from everything she'd come to expect from him that she found her mouth snapped shut over another attempt to convince him. He did seem restless, and her nerves were too overloaded to ask to go with him if he chose to leave the room. Of course, that left her with another set of concerns.

She couldn't leave this room without him; without the concealment his abilities were able to provide. Her features were unique enough that people would notice - she wasn't of the same diluted bloodlines that ran through most Serenians which was apparent by her eyes immediately if not her overall build and size. Not to mention the likeness on the poster was spot on.

No...once he left she would be stuck. But she didn't want to leave yet either. Everything felt dangerous now.

"Okay." She replied softly to his back, hands clasped daintily in her lap, "Since you insist." But she made no move to lay down or even scoot more comfortably onto the bed.

In an instant, Kaito seamlessly slipped back into his usual persona.

"Okay, good!" he exclaimed cheerfully, twirling around to face her once more. He gestured toward the pillow and quilt behind her, instructing, "Now, lay down, under the covers, and get cozy. I'm going to step out only briefly."

Without waiting for a response, he ambled over to the door. As he cracked it open and stood halfway in the frame, he shot her one last reassuring look. "I promise things will be okay. Need anything while I'm out?"

She blinked a few times at the sudden shift in his personality. She didn't know what to make of him, really, but that wasn't too different from his usual was it? Just...now there was an extra layer of depth added to the kitsune she had come to know.

It was silly of her to think that only nobility had two faces - some quite literally. But...were his faces dangerous? Would they smile sweetly while planning something horrible?

Kia she was silly. He was a thief. It wasn't a far stretch to think he had been forced to, or enjoyed doing, bad things from time to time.

"I'll need new clothes." She admitted, still sitting demurely on the edge of the bed, "But I'm not sure what is available...or if it's even possible ."

"Back in a flash," he said with a smile, and he closed the door shut from the opposite side.

——

In the mysterious town, Kaito orchestrated another metamorphosis with a snap of his fingers, transforming into the epitome of unremarkability—a man so inconspicuous that he blended seamlessly into the background. Silently, he navigated the unfamiliar streets, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings for clues about their location and potential next steps.

As he strolled through the town's quieted down  marketplace, Kaito's observant gaze fell upon a boutique. Elowyn requested a a change of clothes, so he decided to discreetly step inside. Mindful of his actions, he carefully selected three outfits: one snug yet breathable for travel, another a bit more relaxed for comfort, and a third with a hint of allure for a touch of fun. Not so mindful: he also picked up several outfits that were likely too promiscuous for her tastes, but a Kaito could dream. Oh, and a few masquerade masks for good measure.

With the garments in tow, Kaito paused to leave a sum of money on the boutique's counter. Alongside the currency, he placed a note that read "Thanks for the clothes"adorned with a friendly smiley face. His conscience nudged him to compensate for the borrowed items, even as he skillfully covered his tracks to ensure a seamless escape. He was a thief, but he would rather not have to steal from common folk and local shop keepers. It didn't feel right.

Exiting the boutique, Kaito slipped back into the anonymity of the town's ambiance, his unremarkable appearance concealing the trickster within.

The moment the door closed, Elowyn's feet lifted off the floor and she scooted her way to the head of the bed with her knees drawn up to her chest and her back resting on the headboard. Her hand was in and out of her pocket so quickly that she had barely had time to breathe. What was it? What had the fae given her? What was it for? Why her?

The questions weren't answered by staring at it, though. It was quite simple: a delicate silver chain that was just long enough the small pendant would sit just below her collar bone, while the pendant itself looked to be a crystal or clear stone of some kind that had been cut into a perfect sphere - almost pearl-like in its appearance. As she stared at it, she could swear there was a mist of some kind that hinted its existence in the center, but when she peered closer it was just a perfectly clear sphere; like glass.

Well, just holding it hadn't hurt her...and if the Fae had truly wanted to harm either of them they wouldn't be back in the real world, would they? So she unclasped the thread-like chain and slipped it around her neck.

The stone, or glass, or rock, or whatever it actually was, was surprisingly warm against her collar, but nothing about it changed. She hadn't changed either. She was still sat curled up on the single bed.

And she sighed. What had she been expecting? Some kind of magical gift from family she had never met before?

With a shake of her head she felt the adrenaline dissipate and a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She was tired. Kaito hadn't been wrong when he forced her to rest, saying that she needed it. And who knew how long he would be? Just a short nap would be fine.

And, still sitting upright, her head rested on her knees and sleep took her.

As the night unfolded, Kaito delved deeper into the uncoverig information about the town they found themselves in. It was an old forgotten town by the name of Dali. Somewhere between the western highlands and the riverlands, the town bore the weight of poverty, with a few middle-class establishments striving to survive. The information he gathered hinted at a governor's mansion nearby, infamous for bleeding its people dry – the very place where his intel suggested the second artifact was hidden.

Despite the setback with the first artifact, Kaito viewed it as a momentary hurdle. He would devise a plan for procuring the second artifact with Elowyn's help, while keeping the first one in his sights for a future endeavor. Thoughts raced through his mind as he made his way back to the inn, his appearance shifting seamlessly to that of the sultry woman, ensuring discretion. The illusion dissipated as he ascended the stairs, ready to share his findings and chart their course with Elowyn.

With an armful of clothes and an excited smile, he opened the door and-

"Sorry, wrong room," he said before quickly closing the door. He felt a bit embarrassed that he seemingly forgot which one they were staying in, but-

Wait.

That was not the wrong room.

His eager smile transformed into skepticism as he cautiously re-entered the room. The figure sleeping on the bed was not Elowyn, and a flicker of rage ignited in his eyes. Questions raced through his mind – Where was Elowyn? Who was this person? What had they done to her?

Without hesitation, he shook the stranger's shoulder, a sense of urgency in his movements as he attempted to rouse them. His expression turned almost menacing as he prepared for an impromptu interrogation. "Who are you?" he demanded, the clothes slipping from his arm, eyebrows narrowed in suspicion. "What have you done with my friend? I swear if you hurt her I'll-"

Elowyn didn't know how long she was asleep before rough hands grabbed her shoulder and shook her awake. She was groggy and unsure of herself or her surroundings. Besides the woods, this was the first time she had woken up anywhere but her own home, and forcefully at that.

Fear flooded through her and her arms came up in front of her body protectively before even recognizing that the person before her was Kaito. What was happening? Why...why was he asking her these questions?

"K...Kaito?" She gasped, arms rising even higher, "Kaito what...? Why are you...? It's me! You're hurting me!"

Kaito was ready to press on with his interrogation, demanding answers about Elowyn's whereabouts and what had been done to her. However, his questioning was abruptly halted by the mysterious stranger's voice. It was different, yet strangely familiar. His features twisted into a mixture of confusion and surprise. Taking a few steps back, he scrutinized the person before him, trying to make sense of the unexpected turn of events.

"...Elowyn? Is that you?" he finally asked, uncertainty lingering in his voice.

He let go and she found herself shrinking back against the wall as if it put more than a few inches of distance between them. Her arms wrapped around herself and rubbed the area where he had just grabbed. She didn't understand what was going on, why he was confused, why he didn't know who she was.

"Yes!" she exclaimed desperately, "Yes, it's Elowyn. I'm Elowyn...what is going on?"

Yes, it's Elowyn. I'm Elowyn...

"What in the gods is happening," he breathed. Was it really her? No, he knew it was her. He did not know why he knew it was her, but he knew all the time.

Kaito, still processing the unexpected transformation that had taken place in Elowyn's appearance, struggled to find the right words. Instead, he gestured towards a mirror in the room, a nonverbal invitation for her to witness the change for herself.

Elowyn didn't understand what was happening or why he was acting the way he was, but the gesture towards the mirror was clear enough. She slipped her feet down off the bed and made her way to the mirror with bated breath. Then, she was there, and hesitantly looked up to see...

Herself.

Dark black eyes flecked with silver that had always been slightly too large to be human, near translucent skin, all surrounded by a head of straight silver hair. The only thing that seemed amiss was that the styling from the party was still partially present: a braid still wrapped around the crown of her head while the other twists and plaits had fallen out of their pins leaving some kinks and an occasional knot.

"I..." she looked back at him frowning, "I don't understand"

Frantically, Kaito gazed into the mirror, seeking any signs of the unusual transformation Elowyn claimed. His reflection revealed nothing different outside of the reflection – just him standing beside a total stranger.  The confusion painted across his face turned into audible skepticism as he muttered to himself, contemplating the possibility of going crazy or some reverse effect of his cloaking magic on Elowyn.

"I know I'm not crazy, I know I'm not crazy," he said, now pacing around like a crazy person. "Am I? Did I do this? What if- wait!"

Unable to shake off the strange sensation, he shifted his focus to studying Elowyn more closely. Her appearance had indeed changed completely, making it challenging to pinpoint the alteration. Just as he was about to give up, a subtle glimmer caught his eye – a light shimmer emanating from the necklace around their neck. Intrigued, he zeroed in on this newfound detail, a hint of realization dawning upon him.

He pointed at it with suspicion. "What's that?"

"What...what do you mean you did this? Did what? What's going on!?" The panic in his voice and on his face was causing her to panic. It didn't help sometimes to always know when words people spoke were truth or not. She'd never know the peace of a white lie, or being told everything was going to be fine in a life or death situation.

And now? Now she could feel the truth in his panicking and didn't know what to do about it.

"What is what?" She asked being pulled back from the dark recesses of her mind, "This?" She looked down at the glass-like sphere around her neck, "It's a necklace!"

The air in the room seemed to hold a tension as Kaito's gaze stayed on the necklace adorning Elowyn's neck. It stirred an unease within him, a feeling he couldn't quite place. Yet, as the moments passed, a shift occurred. His initial panic and apprehension transformed into a genuine curiosity, an eagerness to understand the story behind the seemingly ordinary piece of jewelry.

With a thoughtful expression, Kaito broke the silence, his words carrying a gentle inquiry. "Where did you get it?" His eyes were drawn to the pendant. There was a delicate balance between his genuine interest and the underlying sense of mystery that enveloped them. "It feels.. different.Can I see it?"

As if reaching a decision, Kaito extended his hand, a silent invitation for Elowyn to remove the necklace and hand it over to him.

She clutched it, replaying the image of the Fae standing amongst the trees with their finger pressed against their lips. Did that mean she needed to keep it from Kaito completely? Did it mean rejecting his request to see it? Did it simply mean not telling him where it came from? Did it even mean any of that or was it just a mind game?

She didn't know what to do. She couldn't deny him without reason and denying him would certainly require an explanation.

So instead, she hesitated, gaping at him for a few moments before turning around and pulling her hair over her shoulder so he would have access to the clasp.

Kaito's fingers brushed against the necklace's supposed clasp, only to find nothing. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "No clasp? How did you even put this on?"

Is this a Fae thing?

His gaze fixated on the necklace, and he muttered, "I've never seen anything like this. Is it an illusion?"

Did I do this with my magic?

The soft panic started to rise within him again. A mix of questioning his sanity and fearing that he was the cause of this with his reckless use of his cloaking ability.

Okay, Kaito. Deep breaths. In. Out. In. Out. You can fix this.

He checked the necklace again. No clasp.

Oh come on! Is this..

 "Wait! Do Fae just change appearances whenever they want? Does something trigger it? Will you look like this forever?!" The uncertainty lingered, and his panic rose even more. "If so, I do not like this! I want to see Elowyn! Not this!"

He threw up his hands in defeat of the necklace and shot his eyes out the window. "Hey, Fae!" he yelled out as if they just hung out on the street. "Give me El back!"

"I...I don't know! There was a clasp when I put it on, I would assume there would be one when I wanted to take it off!" What was happening? Even being interrogated in her Uncle's secret tunnels hadn't thrown him this much. His panic and anxiety was infectious even though she still didn't understand what was causing so much distress in the first place.

"Change appearances? I've always been me. If I could have changed my appearance at will I would have done it years ago to escape all of the stares and scrutiny. Why...why do you want me to change now?" And he was talking about looking like this forever. Like what!?

Another glance in the mirror showed her again exactly as she was.

"Kaito!" She pulled him away from the window, "I don't know what you're doing or talking about. I look the same. I'm not different! What...what are you seeing if I'm not seeing anything?"

Right. How do I explain this?

"You don't look like you."

Nailed it.

Elowyn emerged from the apparent transformation as a woman with full, captivating curves. Her fiery red hair cascaded down her shoulders, reminiscent of autumn leaves ablaze in their brilliance. Vibrant green eyes sparkled with an intensity that hinted at the adventurous spirit within her.

Adorned in a tight-fitting dress, the fabric accentuated the contours of her newfound form, celebrating the curves that defined her silhouette. The garment seemed to complement her every movement, and the color palette harmonized with the radiant hues of her hair and eyes. Together, the elements of her appearance created a captivating ensemble that would turn heads.

In all honesty, it was a woman Kaito would likely flirt with, but.. he missed his Elowyn.

He stroked his chin, thinking things through. "Did you do anything while I was gone besides nap?"

"What do you mean I don't look like me?" She asked, eyebrow raised. "And no, not really."

Nothing except put on the necklace, but he had already determined it couldn't be removed. And could she tell him about it? He already knew it was new or he wouldn't have pointed it out! If she told him she had put on the necklace would it lead to more questions?

Everything came back to the fear that telling him about it would somehow go against the Fae's instructions and...an angry Fae could mean a fate worse than death in many cases.

With a sigh, she reached up to the chain around her neck and felt around for the clasp. She fished for a bit, then spun the chain and...sure enough there it was.

"Seriously?" She asked him with a look as she pinched the spring and pulled the chain off, "It was right there. You really should rest, you know."

"yOu rEaLLy sHoUlD rEsT, yOu KnOw."

That's how he wanted to respond, but then he remembered he wasn't a child.

As Elowyn removed the necklace from around her neck, Kaito observed in quiet fascination. His surprise lingered as she found the clasp, a task that had seemed impossible to him earlier. Yet, it was the subsequent transformation that left him utterly awe-struck. The sultry curves and unfamiliar features melted away like a mirage, revealing the familiar contours of the Elowyn he knew.

The shift was as mesmerizing as a fleeting sunset, the colors transforming seamlessly before his eyes. Her appearance morphed back into the embodiment of warmth and familiarity. Kaito's mouth stood agape, caught in the enchantment of the moment, as the magical veil lifted, revealing the true essence beneath.

So it was the necklace!

"Alright, maybe I should rest," he admitted reluctantly, then shook his head, quickly contradicting himself. "No, wait! I'm certain of what I saw. You were someone else! Someone with rather thunderous hips, I might add!"

His gaze fixed on the chain in her hand, and he pointed at it again. "You didn't have that earlier."

 

 

"Thunderous hips?" she gawked, looking down at her lithe, overly straight body. The dresses she wore day-to-day were designed to make her look more curvy what with their voluminous skirts and tight bodices, but never in her life had she looked anything like the mature women in stories, "You're losing it." Her mouth was set in a firm line.

"And I'd prefer you not to look at me like that in the first place." But that wasn't the point of this conversation, was it? He was going on about her being someone else again and as much as she wanted to just say he was crazy, Kaito hadn't given her that impression at all. Dramatic? Absolutely. But crazy enough to see things that didn't exist? No.

She looked down at the necklace in her hand with a frown, "No. I wasn't wearing it earlier." She replied somewhat vaguely. She wouldn't go into the details either for fear of breaking some kind of silent contract with the Fae; with her people. Knowing his cleverness he'd probably fish it out himself at some point and she wouldn't have to say anything in the first place. Faerie loopholes were clearly a genetic trait.

"You...you think this did something? I look normal now?" Elowyn held the chain up in front of her face to gaze at the glass-like sphere again and, on a whim, put the necklace back around her neck.

"And now?"

Kaito wore a slight blush and a look of shame at her comment, but he quickly wiped that away with her next action.

As Elowyn delicately fastened the necklace around her neck, another transformation unfolded before Kaito's eyes, rendering him utterly dumbfounded. However, this time, the change took an unexpected turn, shaping Elowyn into a man – a red-haired man adorned with fox ears, matching robes, and an array of tails. She turned into him! It was surreal seeing it from the outside!

After the initial astonishment, he took a moment to scrutinize the uncanny resemblance, his eyes moving between Elowyn and his own reflection. A slight frown tugged at the corners of his lips as he remarked, "Well, I always imagined myself more handsome and charming in person. This is disappointing. Take it off, please."

Elowyn wasn't sure what to make of all of it. The Fae, her people by blood, had clearly given this to her and it seemed to be a tool that could protect them from being discovered. Kaito couldn't find the clasp; claimed that she was changing and becoming someone different. Perhaps this was the bit of freedom that she needed and wouldn't need to be holed up in a room or dependent on Kaito for simply existing.

And, judging by his reaction, it didn't just show one image or one face.

"Am I you?" She asked feeling a sense of rising glee and a mischievous glint appeared in her eye along with a sly smile on her lips. She reached her hand to him and bowed dramatically.

"My dearest, Kaito," she did her best to mimic his inflection and took a step forward to grab his hand and raise it to her lips like a proper gentleman, "You are the greatest of all abductors. I know this because I am you. You are me! Together we will conquer the world!"

Well this was just downright silly.

He despised how accurately she mimicked him, his nose crinkling at the hand-kiss. Was this what it felt like to be on the receiving end of his own antics?

"Very funny," he remarked with a wry smile. "But, you need more swagger, and the charm should roll effortlessly off the tongue!"

...Was he really entertaining this?

Kaito, emphasizing his charm and grace, delicately took Elowyn's hand, lifting it to press a tender kiss on her knuckles - a strange feeling to kiss the appearance of one's own hand, despite it still feeling like hers. As he addressed her, his voice gradually transformed into a whisper, and he concluded his sentence by gently placing two fingers beneath her chin, leaning in intimately. "My Dearest El, if it was an abductor you desire, then your wish is my command. With someone as beautiful and clever as you by my side, we can accomplish anything."

He mused that this would be quite the sight were someone to walk in.

She couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips as Kaito began fixing her impersonation. It was the most fun she'd had in a very long time despite the sheer chaos that her life had become since meeting him. She let him lift her hand, thinking he would leave it there but then he was leaning in closer. She could feel the heat of him against her and the fingers lifting her chin caused her cheeks to redden.

Her heart beat against her ribs and, unbeknownst to her, the moment she locked eyes with him the glamour provided by the necklace dropped to reveal her true self. She blinked a few times, frozen, cheeks crimson.

"Oh. Uh...great?" She muttered. How was it that she had been immune to all of the advances of the men throughout the province who sought her out but this...thief...was able to disarm her.

She stepped back and cleared her throat, reaching up to find the necklace clasp, "That's quite enough of that, I should think." She said entirely too fast.

There's that royal tone in your voice again, he thought cheekily.

Still, he couldn't help but smile. Whether it was the sudden transformation or the fact that he was smooth talking himself, he remained blissfully unaware of the impact he might have had on her. Despite that, he found her endearing, even adorable.

Content to see her back in her normal form, he purposefully put some distance between them. Gesturing towards the various articles of clothing scattered on the floor – dropped in his surprise at the sight of the "stranger" – he moved to collect them. Kneeling to pick up the items, he added, "Found some things for you. They should be about your size."

Unintentionally, he scooped what might be the most revealing and, dare he say it, scandalous outfit of the bunch before holding it in front of him. "Want to try it on?"

Elowyn had turned from him and was absentmindedly pressing her hands to her cheeks in a desperate attempt to push the extra bloodflow in her face away. She was being stupid. This was stupid. She needed to take some deep breaths and remember why she was even here in the first place: to...steal stuff.

Right? Or...for adventure. Yes. Adventure. That's why she came. Also the worry that her uncle might have tortured her or something. Maybe.

"Oh, wonderful." She said, excited to have something to take her mind off of the butterflies in her stomach and the fire in her face. With a genuine smile she turned to look at what he'd brought and...

The color drained from her face, "You...that's...no...no I'm not going to...Oh my Gods!" Her voice had raised a few registers and her hands raised delicately to her lips. What had she gotten into!?

Kaito handed Elowyn a set of clothes he picked out for her, a wide and proud smile on his face as he did so. However, as he observed her reaction, he noticed a mix of surprise and disapproval. Quickly catching on, he threw the outfit over his shoulder, clearing his throat.

"Not that one!"

Rummaging through the other options, he realized he had unintentionally chosen more provocative ensembles. One by one, he comically tossed them aside with exaggerated motions, each discarded outfit adding to the pile behind him.

"Nope, not this!"

More slung behind his back.

"Oh dear."

Another.

The realization dawned on him, and he couldn't help but laugh at his own miscalculation. Finally, he managed to find something more suitable - the snug bit breathable outfit suited for low-key travel. He held it up with a sheepish grin, "Well, this one should do, right?"

At first Elowyn was horrified that he even thought these items would have been acceptable, but as they kept coming her shock turned into complete disapproval. She crossed her arms and stared down her nose at him.

"I'm sorry, but, did you lose your mind when you decided to select these things for me, or are you just crazy?" Perhaps a bit mean spirited, but honestly! This man infiltrated parties and mingled with her people on a regular basis. Never in...well...ever would people of her status wear such items in any other capacity than behind closed doors. "Where did you even find these?"

And then, finally, he held out some muted colored folded cloth and she accepted it, brow furrowed. This seemed better. It was certainly plain, but that was the point wasn't it? To not stand out.

She laid them on the bed and pulled up the loose cotton shirt and the vest that would tie over it - even that was on the improper side of things, but it was better than everything else. But then...then she pulled up the skirt.

Only it wasn't a skirt.

"These are...pants." She blinked, dumbfounded, "For women? Pants for women. You want me to wear pants."

Kaito couldn't help but feel a mix of regret and amusement as the scene unfolded. Unbeknownst to him, he had grabbed an abundance of revealing outfits, resulting in a swift and comical discard that left the floor looking as if it had hosted an unexpected fashion show... or something else entirely.

He frowned slightly at Elowyn's response to the outfit that seemed the most appropriate in his eyes—a pair of pants. What was wrong with pants? "Oh, I'm sorry, would you prefer this?" he asked half-serious, presenting a vibrantly colored mini-skirt that left nothing to the imagination.

His gaze flickered from the skirt to Elowyn and then downward, a subtle shade of shame coloring his expression. "I'm sorry," he muttered, his voice carrying a hint of embarrassment. "I didn't really know what to get you."

Elowyn stared at him for a moment, casting her eyes from the skirt to his face. This couldn't be real. None of it. They must still be in the Faerie Realm and this was their punishment for daring to enter in the first place.

He couldn't seriously think...he couldn't have thought...but his face said he did. That he had tried to find clothes that would work for her and had...chosen...this.

A bubble of laughter burst from her scowl and she quickly covered her lips with both hands, doing her best to remain in control. Then she opened her mouth to talk and the laugh returned. And then it wouldn't go away. Soon she found herself doubled over with laughter and was forced to grab onto the bed for support.

"Oh...oh Kia!" She managed to say between gasps. Her sides hurt, tears were in her eyes.

"You...you are being serious. You picked...oh gods!" The laughter continued, "I thought you were," more moments of laughter, "being a creep!"

As Elowyn burst into laughter, Kaito's face underwent a rapid transformation, starting with embarrassment, then shifting to confusion, and finally, he joined in with hearty laughter. His initial laughter was small, almost awkward, but it quickly grew into a contagious roar as they both found the situation silly.

"Ow," Kaito said between laughs, his voice breathy. "Ow! My giggle box!"

However, their time was abruptly interrupted by loud knocks on the door. A disgruntled voice from the other side demanded they quiet down. "Would you two shut the hell up?! I'm trying to sleep!" Kaito's own laughter slowed, replaced by a warm smile on his face that reached his eyes as his gazed settled on his companion.

With a subtle grin, he asked, "so no to the skirt, then?"

She covered her mouth with her hands after the knock on the door and still had moments of giggles that rose up despite every effort she took to quell them. Perhaps it wasn't actually that funny and she was just delirious from shock and the anxiety of the new, but it was nice to laugh.

"Oh absolutely not. I'll try the pants. Then perhaps I'll wear this necklace and come with you to supervise next time."

She looked down at the ensemble on the bed and then at the darkness that still lingered outside, "but tomorrow. For now, you should try to sleep."

Accepting her suggestion to get some rest, Kaito declined the bed once more. Instead, he settled onto the floor, using the pile of discarded garments as a makeshift pillow. Gesturing for her to reclaim the bed, he wasn't convinced that she had enough rest during the time he was away.

Unaware if she took to the bed or not, Kaito stared up at the ceiling, his eyes contemplating thoughts that seemed to dance across his mind. The soft smile from their earlier laughter still played on his lips.

Without facing her directly, he spoke, his voice gentle yet probing, "So, about this necklace. Someone gave it to you, right? Someone whose name you might be hesitant to say?"

Elowyn was going to protest, but realized that it wouldn't make a difference considering his last reaction to her suggesting he take the bed. Not only that, but he seemed comfortable enough burrowing into the ridiculous clothes he had brought for her. Serves him right, a part of her thought, but there was still the nagging voice in the back of her head that felt like he deserved the bed far more than she. After all, what had she really done at this point besides be a burden?

With a sigh, she placed the only acceptable clothes on the end of the bed and then slid herself between the sheets. To say it was uncomfortable was an understatement, but it was her choice to be here and she wasn't about to complain.

"Mmmm." She mused softly at his question, weighing her options. He had to know now, or at least strongly suspect, that she had walked away from their encounter with the Fae with this new trinket, but the image of their finger over lips kept her silent. She stared at his ears, his red hair, his pointed features, and felt an overwhelming urge to keep him safe. At least as safe as someone like her could manage. She wasn't about to start sword fighting or rushing into battle to defend his honor. But this? If telling him would put him in danger...

"Good night, my clever fox." Was all she said as she rolled onto her side, facing him, and closed her eyes. A small voice seemed to whisper in her ear, trust is earned, little fae, though if it was a dream or reality she didn't know. And she wouldn't remember it in the morning.

So the Fae DID give it to her!

Kaito deduced as much from the way the night unfolded, and her reluctance to confirm outright only solidified his point. While he wasn't one to shy away from gloating — in fact, he rather enjoyed it — he decided to savor this triumph with a quiet sense of satisfaction.

Moreover, her reference to him as her "clever fox" brought an unexpected warmth. It made him... happy? There was something sweet about it, and Kaito's ears couldn't help but twitch playfully in response.

"Sweet dreams, my clever girl," he replied, closing his eyes and allowing sleep to gently take him, a contented smile lingering on his lips.

Elowyn woke an hour or so before the sun started to rise. And stared at the ceiling unable to fall back asleep. She wasn't certain how much sleep she had been able to get, but clearly her body had decided it was enough. That, or, the bed was just that uncomfortable and her delicate noble bones couldn't take it anymore.

Whatever the reason, she was awake and she was bored. First she laid there for a bit, but once that got old she quietly moved herself out of the bed and laid the pants ensemble out on the bed. Her own dress was fine, but even the plainest linen was still much too extravagant for her new existence. The deep indigo color alone made her stand out as nobility, it didn't matter that it didn't sport silks or damasks.

The pants, however, were....perfect. Unfortunately. They were different earthy shades of tan with rough, but durable stitching up the sides. The mossy green shirt added to the whole earthiness of the ensemble, and that was before paired with the dark brown leather bodice that was intended to go over it.

With a quick glance to see if Kaito was still asleep, Elowyn turned her back to him and silently began unlacing her dress and slipping the shirt over her head to keep as much modesty as possible. Then came the pants which...Kia what could she say about them? They were restrictive. They were revealing without needing a single bit of skin showing. No one could ever call her curvy but with fabric hugging her body she felt it. Then the bodice: front lacing with enough structure to hold everything in place.

Gods she felt like a completely different person and there wasn't even a full length mirror to see the full effect. She didn't put on any shoes yet, but instead sat on the edge of the bed and began pulling the remaining pins from her hair before running her fingers through it to loosen the tangles. The silvery strands brushed her waist when completely free and, with deft fingers, she pulled it into a series of tight braids from temple to nape of the neck and finished with one solid braid down her back.

She glanced over at the mirror again and marveled at the transformation. She was no longer Elowyn Arrnonia - Fae offspring of Lord Arrnonia, a bastard as some whispered. She was...an adventurer. Still fae in appearance but no longer the same woman she was.

And that, surprisingly, terrified her.

The room was cloaked in a gentle hush as Kaito stirred from his slumber. With slow and quiet movements, he cracked his eyes open, casting an unobtrusive glance towards Elowyn. Witnessing her discreetly changing, he averted his gaze, allowing her a moment of privacy. A subtle respect for her modesty guided his actions. However, as she finished and he dared to look again, the sight that met his eyes left him utterly captivated.

Her clothing, a tailored ensemble that seemed to embrace her form with a delicate precision, drew Kaito's attention. The fabric, though restrictive, showcased a unique allure, revealing without baring a single inch of skin. Elowyn, in that moment, appeared like a living masterpiece, and Kaito found himself quietly mesmerized by the artistry of her being.

He picked out some damn good clothes.

More than that, he was happy to see her.. trying. No matter how diligently he tried to conceal it, an undeniable sense of guilt lingered within him. The awareness that he had played a role in diverting her from the life she once knew weighed heavily on his conscience. While the circumstances leading to their current situation might have seemed inevitable, it didn't alleviate the emotional burden he carried.

He grappled with the uneasy realization that, despite the reasons that brought them together, he had, in a way, disrupted the course of her life. He knew that his life was, well, not for everyone. Regardless, she was trying, and made him feel just a little bit better.

He intentionally cleared his throat, a deliberate signal of his awakened state, before addressing her with a groggy tone. "Good morning, El," he greeted with a tired but genuine smile. "You look..." What's the word? "Cute."

Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest when Kaito cleared his throat, spinning around quickly with her hand pressed against her throat. It was silly to have been that startled, but her senses were on edge and this only proved it.

"Oh! Yes. Um. Good morning." She managed to reply before he continued and called her cute. Cute. It was ridiculous to call a grown woman cute. She knew it. But that didn't stop her cheeks from turning red from, what? Embarrassment? Was that what she was feeling?

"Ah..." she looked down at her outfit and shifted uncomfortably, her arms sliding up to cross protectively in front of her chest. "I feel..." wrong? "Exposed." She finished with a sigh and averted her eyes. Her face was getting redder by the second. "Maybe a little stupid? I've never worn pants before...it's...not done."

Gods why did her head feel so hot?

Exposed? That was certainly not exposed - not that he would know! Still, he tried to make her feel better about it. "What are you talking about? You look amazing!"

With a playful grin, Kaito decided to showcase a bit of acrobatic flair, attempting to push up from his back and smoothly leap onto his feet. His intentions were clear – an effort to impress Elowyn with a dash of athleticism. However, the execution didn't quite match the ambition. As he initiated the move, a series of comical missteps unfolded, and with an audible "oof!" he found himself stumbling rather than soaring, ultimately landing back on his rear.

A sheepish grin adorned his face as he rose to his feet with a bit more finesse, dusting off his back and bottom from the earlier tumble. "Anyway," he said, effortlessly dismissing the incident, "Are you ready for your first significant heist? I've figured out our location, and the target isn't far. Brace yourself – it's in a governor's mansion!" Excitement radiated from him as he beamed. "Word has it; this governor is infamous for keeping his people in poverty. Maybe it's high time we assist him in redistributing the wealth."

"Oooookay...." Elowyn blinked, speechless, at his complete bumbling. Again, the tiny vindictive side of her chuckled in the back of her mind as he fell onto the horrifying array of clothes and though serves you right. But that stayed there and she wasn't sure it was something she'd ever want, or need, to say.

"Uh...so what's this about a heist? And," she tried to wrap her mind around what he had just said, "You want me to come? To help you? Ah...I don't...I don't know what I'm doing and I might mess everything up like last time...you had practically escaped when I ruined everything."

Once again her cheeks burned and, not for the last time, she thought about just how wrong he was to have brought her at all. This wasn't her world. She didn't know how to exist outside of opulence.

Kaito's eyes met Elowyn's with a gentle intensity, a silent rebuttal to the self-doubt lingering within her. His disappointment wasn't aimed at her perceived lack of contribution, but rather the fact that she underestimated her own worth.

"El," Kaito spoke with a warmth that sought to dissolve the shadows of doubt. "You've got more than you think. The charm of the Fae dances around you now, a suggestion of glamour that makes you extraordinary. And your wit? Trust me, I've been left trailing in the dust by your sharp mind more times than I can count."

His words carried a sincerity that aimed to cut through her self-deprecating thoughts. Kaito believed in her, and he hoped his assurance would act as a mirror, reflecting the strength and capability he saw within her.

Of course, Kaito being Kaito, he couldn't stop there, and made a questionable decision to follow.

Kaito stepped forward, gently cupping Elowyn's cheeks in his hands, the warmth of her flushed skin resonating with a sizzling sensation against his palms. He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, a silent promise and reassurance in the soft gesture. "Okay then, ready?" he murmured, his voice carrying a mix of warmth and playfulness.

With a swift snap of his fingers, the air seemed to shimmer around them, and Kaito transformed back into the curvy and sultry woman he had cloaked himself with earlier. The enchanting presence that surrounded him now exuded confidence and allure. He cast a mischievous glance at Elowyn, a smirk playing on his lips. "Let's make some magic happen, shall we?"

Maybe it was simply because she needed to be reassured, or maybe it was because he was so completely genuine it made her dizzy, or maybe she was just absolutely losing her mind, but whatever the true reason - or perhaps it was a combination of them all - she didn't pull away when he kissed her forehead. She could feel his sincerity, feel the truth of his words thanks to the fae woman who birthed her. And...perhaps it was silly...but she wanted to live up to that confidence.

No, she didn't want to, she needed to. After all, she was here with him now and needed to be useful or it would all just be a waste. And she refused to be a waste. Not anymore. Her naivety had already landed them in the pockets of the Fae.

"N...ah...yes. Ok, then." She stammered, "but...is there a plan? What exactly are we doing?"

"It just so happens," he said confidently, "I do have a plan."

Kaito leaned forward, casting a holographic blueprint of the governor's mansion onto the table in the room. The soft glow flickered, setting the stage for his elaborate explanation.

"Elowyn," he began, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint, "imagine this heist as a grand performance, each move choreographed to captivate our audience. This room here," he pointed on the blueprint, "is where we'll meet."

He gestured to the holographic illusions dancing above the blueprint. "First, Illusory Distractions. Mesmerizing displays to distract the guests. Meanwhile, you, my beautiful accomplice, will navigate unseen among them."

A sly grin crossed his face. "You will be our cloak. As you mingle with the guests, Illusory Mimicry will briefly transform you into a familiar face, ensuring you move undetected."

Kaito's fingers traced invisible pathways on the holographic map. "Illusions will mislead the guards. They'll be chasing mirages while you slip through unnoticed."

He looked at Elowyn, his excitement contagious. "As for the guards themselves, Time Distortion will be our secret weapon. I'll use it to make sure their patrols are moving to a different rhythm than us, giving you a known window."

A pause filled the room before Kaito continued, "Finally, in the sultry and sexy woman body I'll change to, I'll charm the Governor himself. Once I have him around my finger, I'll slip a little something into his drink to help him sleep - buying us at least an hour."

Kaito's gaze intensified. "Now, El, if the plan doesn't go perfect, don't be afraid to use your talents. Persuade a guard to take an unscheduled break or convince a guest to vacate a room, all with a simple command. I've seen you do it, I know you can pull it off. Get their names while you mingle in the beginning."

Finally, his eyes softened as he spoke of their end game. "Once we meet in that room, we find the artifact, we liberate it, and we leave."

He leaned back, the holographic blueprint fading away, leaving the room in a charged silence. "So, Elowyn, are you ready to do this?"

She listened to his plan with brow furrowed in concentration. Everything was presented in such a flowery and exuberant manner that it was hard to believe any of it was more than a game to him. But she had seen first hand what had happened when his plans went awry...this was dangerous. This whole life was dangerous, and now she had to fully immerse herself.

"I think I should use the necklace." She added, quietly, thoughtfully, "If we get too far away from each other and my face falls...This whole thing could fall apart and I don't want to get caught and have you feel obligated to come to my rescue." She took a deep breath and met his eyes steadily, trying to put as much confidence as she could muster into her gaze, "It worked well enough it tricked you completely."

The last bit was added as if a final selling point.

This disguise is getting itchy.

Kaito's transformation was as dramatic as it was swift, the illusion of his disguise melting away like morning mist to reveal his true form. His fiery red hair cascaded down his shoulders in unruly waves, matching the intensity of his piercing crimson eyes that seemed to dance with an inner flame. His robes, once replaced with the muted hue of the black dress, now blazed with vibrant shades of scarlet and gold.

Ahh. Much better.

As he regarded Elowyn with a playful glint in his eyes, Kaito's lips curved into a curious grin, his fingers absently tracing the contours of his chin as if lost in thought. "Well, El, that's.." he mused, the lilt of amusement evident in his voice. "A great point, actually."

Leaning in closer, Kaito's gaze sparkled with the potential of excitement as he whispered conspiratorially, "But, can you control this charm of yours? Can you bend it to your will, shaping your appearance however you see fit? Or shall we just play a game of chance? Ideally, your disguise will fit in seamlessly with the others."

She frowned, that was a particularly not great thing about the necklace...

"I don't know...truly. But, we can always try it and then plan B if it doesn't work? Right?" She closed her eyes and shifted in her newly pantsed body feeling uncomfortable and uncomfortably out of her element.

Mostly, she just didn't want to ruin this. At the end of the day she would be returned to her family but Kaito would be sent to prison...quite possibly worse. Kia, could she do this? Could she really work with a thief who was trying to take on her very own people? What if she knew the governor? What if the illusion fell and they immediately recognized her? She still didn't know where they were.

"Only one way to find out, yes?" She said with a small smile while trying to force joviality despite the inner turmoil she was actually feeling.

And with that, she slipped the necklace around her neck. To Kaito, it would look like a small glimmer and then....she was herself exactly as she had been the night they had just met, complete with the shimmering off-the-shoulder pewter gown and white-silver hair pinned meticulous at the nape of her neck.

"So?"

As Elowyn delicately fastened the necklace around her neck, Kaito's gaze remained fixed on her, his breath caught in his throat as he awaited the transformation. He anticipated a dramatic shift, a complete alteration of her appearance to disguise her true identity. But when she finally stepped back, revealing herself in the shimmering gown, his heart skipped a beat. The fabric draped gracefully over her figure, accentuating her elegance, while her hair, arranged in an intricate updo, framed her delicate features. In that moment, she was the epitome of elegance and beauty, radiating a captivating allure that left him momentarily speechless.

Yet, despite the finery adorning her, she still retained that essence of herself, that unique spark that set her apart from the rest. Kaito found himself entranced by her presence, his admiration for her beauty mingling with a sense of awe at her unwavering authenticity. Clearing his throat, he finally managed to find his voice, though his mind continued to linger on the vision before him. "You look..." he began, his words trailing off as he struggled to find the right expression to convey his thoughts. "Absolutely breathtaking," he finished, shifting his gaze downward to hide the sudden heat in his cheeks.

But why?

As Kaito pondered on it, a sense of bewilderment washed over him. This seemingly ordinary trinket held extraordinary power, capable of transforming her appearance with a mere touch. Yet, with each use, its enchantments seemed to defy logic, leaving him perplexed and questioning the motives of the Fae. Why would they choose to reveal her true form this time, adorning her in the attire she wore the night they met? Was it a deliberate act of mockery, a subtle reminder of their whimsical nature and inscrutable intentions? Or perhaps, he pondered, there was a deeper significance to this choice, a hidden message concealed within the familiar guise she now wore. Whatever the case may be, Kaito couldn't shake the feeling of being toyed with by forces beyond his comprehension.

"So, um, well.. how do I put this?" he finally continued, struggling to find the proper words. "You look like you. That won't work."

Elowyn frowned at that. How did this darn necklace even work, then? If she couldn't put it on and just disappear, what was the point? What did the Fae want by giving it to her?

"That's....frustrating." she sighed pressing her fingers delicately to her temples and rubbing small circles in a desperate attempt to ward off the headache that was forming behind her eyes. "I don't know how this works. I don't know if I can control it or if it's just going to have a mind of it's own.

"But how does it work?" She found herself musing outloud, completely forgetting for a moment that Kaito was standing just in front of her as she immersed herself in the puzzle presented. She didn't like not knowing and she certainly wasn't going to put the trinket aside just because she hadn't figured it out yet. If anything, it made her more driven to pull at its secrets like string in a complicated web of knots. If she just pulled at the right one the entire thing would fall apart and she could see how each piece fit together.

Her head snapped up, "I want to try something."

And without so much as a moment's hesitation, she stepped passed Kaito and opened the door to the hallway and began walking towards the front desk.

"Get ready to cover, ok?" she called over her shoulder, "...just in case." She added in a whisper under her breath. This was stupid. She knew it was stupid and dangerous, but...the fae were complicated and complex. They had clearly healed her and helped them so they weren't planning to have her killed anytime soon which meant the necklace had to be a gift, right? Something that would actually help her as she reentered the world full of wanted posters with her face on it. So they gave her a necklace that disguised who she was and that changed, seemingly, on a whim. But what if it wasn't a whim? What if.....

"Is everything alright, sir?" The woman at the front desk asked when Elowyn rounded the corner, "We will have some porridge prepared for our guests in a few minutes. You and your companion can join us down here, or we can bring it up to you."

Well that was certainly interesting! And a positive result to say the least!

She turned to search for Kaito with a big smile spread across her face.

This necklace was more than just a way to hide, it meant freedom.

Kaito breathed into the seamless transformation back into the sultry woman as he followed Elowyn at a cautious distance. Observing the reaction of the desk clerk, he couldn't suppress a chuckle at the bemused expression. "Is everything alright, sir?" the clerk inquired, oblivious to the clandestine switch that had just occurred.

Sir.

It was a curious phenomenon – while Kaito perceived Elowyn, others saw the man from before. But perhaps it wasn't just the man they saw; rather, it was what they expected to see, a skill that may just work perfectly for their heist.

Returning with a radiant smile, Elowyn's joy was infectious, and Kaito couldn't help but mirror her enthusiasm with a broad, goofy grin of his own. "That's incredible!" he whispered excitedly, his voice barely containing his amazement. Without a moment's hesitation, he scooped her up by the waist, twirling her around like two gleeful children lost in the thrill of the moment. To any bystanders, the sight of a sultry, feminine woman spinning a grown man around might have appeared odd, but Kaito did not care one bit.

Elowyn couldn't contain her laughter and it added to the ridiculousness of the image with a grown man being held and giggling. For Elowyn, though, she looked exactly that same as she always did so she didn't feel particularly silly about the exchange. She was free. She could put on this Fae charm and disappear. For the first time in her life she felt like she was able to just exist.

Now, that was a silly thought. She was about to undergo a heist at the governor's mansion! That wasn't exactly the existence she had envisioned for herself, nor was it by any means just existing. But....

She smiled down at Kaito from where he held her up, laughter dying on her lips while the joy remained in her eyes.

"It is incredible." She breathed, her cheeks becoming progressively redder the closer they remained touching. "It'll help, won't it?" She kept her voice low.

Kaito couldn't help but be swept up in the infectious laughter bubbling from Elowyn. Despite the absurdity of the situation, he found himself grinning from ear to ear, reveling in the carefree moment. As he held her aloft, her laughter echoed in his ears, a melody of freedom and joy.

"It will more than help," Kaito agreed, his voice tinged with excitement. "It will be perfect!"

However, in the midst of their whispered excitement, Kaito's own excitement got the best of him. As he held Elowyn aloft, a telltale blush crept up his cheeks and his guard lowered, transforming the sultry woman back into Kaito, albeit momentarily. Wide-eyed and flustered, he quickly set her down, the sudden shift catching them both off guard. "Uh, sorry about that," he muttered, his cheeks now flushed with embarrassment. With a sheepish grin, he attempted to resume the guise of the sultry woman, only to find himself inadvertently slipping back into his own form once more. "Whoops," he exclaimed, a bit more frantic this time. "Let me try that again." With renewed determination, he focused on channeling the enchantment, transforming seamlessly back into the captivating woman before Elowyn's eyes.

"No one saw that, right?"

Elowyn gasped in surprise when Kaito's illusion faltered revealing his true self. Her joy turned to apprehension and she nervously glanced around to see if people were watching, if they had noticed. Kia, of course they had noticed! They weren't openly staring at the woman flinging around a man, but they certainly were watching out of the corner of their eyes at the odd display and now? Now that woman was a fox, then a woman, then a fox again.

That wasn't good....not good at all.

The only thing that they could be thankful for was the fact that there weren't many people in the area as it must still be fairly early and guests had yet to rise and come down. So, instead of a room full of people, there was the inn keep, her hand, and an odd person sitting in the corner next to the fireplace with a nose stuck in a book of some kind.

Elowyn didn't stop to think, her heart was in her throat and panic threatened to smother her. She walked briskly over to the woman at the counter who was now staring wide-eyed at the woman who had just turned into a fox.

"What's your name, love?" she asked quietly, leaning on the counter with what she hoped was nonchalance despite the screaming that raged inside her head.

"Ah....Lorren...." She glanced at El and then back at Kaito. Elowyn reached forward and gently guided Lorren's face so they were making direct eye contact. Her pupils dilated as she summoned her gifts, "Lorren, tell me the name of your helper and the man in the corner."

"Samuel." She pointed to the young man who stood behind her, also staring fearfully at the two of them, "I don't remember his name. Just checked in yesterday."

Dammit.

"Samuel." Elowyn caught the man's eyes and pulled him in with her voice as well, "Come here, please." He walked over until he was standing directly next to the woman, "Lorren, Samuel, you will remember nothing. A woman and a man rented a room here, they were unremarkable but good customers." She had to pull deeper into herself to make them believe her – they were fighting her commands because they went against their own consciences. A sweat broke out on her brow, but she maintained the compulsion, "If questioned, you saw nothing else. They rented and then they left. You both have to check on the porridge. Now."

Both workers nodded, and only then did Elowyn release them. She swayed, breath coming in quickly as she recovered and Lorren and Samuel both disappeared into the kitchens. El's knees felt like jelly and her knuckles turned white as she gripped the edge of the counter to stay upright. That was hard. Far harder than any other little piece of glamour she'd used before in her life. She'd never actually wiped someone's memory before which is exactly what she had done with these two – complete alteration. Even if she had gotten the name of the man in the corner, she wasn't sure she'd have the strength to do it again.

While Elowyn worked her magic on the innkeeper and her helper, Kaito kept a watchful eye on the man, noting the mix of surprise and suspicion that flickered in his eyes before he tried to hide in behind his book.

With a quick glance at Elowyn, he took note of the exhaustion that etched her face. Using her powers must have taken a toll on her, and so, without a second thought, he decided to take matters into his own hands. The jury was out, after all.

As the innkeeper and her helper began to retreat, Kaito approached the man with a charming smile, but the tension in the room was palpable. "Looks like you've stumbled upon a bit of magic today," he remarked casually, trying to break the ice.

The man regarded Kaito with narrowed eyes, his expression guarded. "Magic, huh? Seems like more trouble than it's worth," he replied, his voice laced with skepticism.

Kaito's smile faltered slightly at the man's response, but he maintained his composure. "Oh, I don't know," he countered, his tone light but with a hint of challenge. He exhaled and let himself resume his normal appearance. "Magic has its perks. Like making a grand entrance, for instance."

The man's gaze shook before it became steady, his suspicion apparent. "I'm not one for tricks," he stated firmly, his tone leaving little room for argument. "You must be in some trouble to put on such an act just to stay at an inn."

Kaito chuckled, trying to maintain his casual demeanor despite the man's probing. "Trouble? Nah, just a bit of fun, you know?" he replied with a shrug, hoping to brush off the man's suspicions. "Life's too short to take everything so seriously."

The man's expression remained guarded, his eyes narrowing as he studied Kaito. "Fun, huh?" he mused, his tone skeptical. "Seems like a lot of effort for a bit of fun." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Or maybe there's more to it than that. Maybe you're running from something—or someone."

Kaito's smile faltered slightly at the man's insinuation, but he maintained his composure. "You've got quite the imagination," he remarked lightly, trying to deflect the man's suspicions. "But we're just passing through, looking for a bit of adventure, you know?"

The man's gaze hardened, his suspicion intensifying. "Adventure, huh?" he repeated, his tone skeptical. "Well, I'm sure a couple of travelers like yourselves could use a helping hand. For the right price."

Elowyn closed her eyes tight and continued to force her body to steady. She felt lightheaded; breathless. Not even deep even breaths seemed to assuage the piercing exhaustion that came from forcing people to change their perception of the world. Did all Fae feel this? Or was it simply a perk of only being half? Perhaps it wasn't a skill they possessed at all and came from the hybrid nature of her lineage.

Too many questions, none of which had any definitive answers, only made her more annoyed at her shortcomings.

From what she gathered, Kaito wasn't having much luck. The man stood firm, and was even beginning to seemingly blackmail them? Well that wouldn't do...

Elowyn sucked in a breath and began the walk towards the man, unaware that at that very moment the glamour provided by the necklace shifted to reveal to him a full blooded Fae nearly identical to the ones they had stumbled across before. To him, she stood in gossamer robes with white hair down to her waist and black irises just too large to be human. Her eyes were exactly like her normal ones, to be honest, but the Fae standing before the man was taller and older.

His eyes grew wide as he stared at her, mouth dropping.

"What is your name?" Elowyn asked, completely unaware of the visage he perceived.

As Kaito observed the exchange between Elowyn and the man, he noticed a subtle shift in the man's demeanor. Initially defiant, the man's confidence seemed to wane as Elowyn approached him. His eyes darted around nervously, and Kaito could see the fear creeping into his expression. When Elowyn asked for his name, the man hesitated, his voice wavering as he stammered in response.

"I-I don't have to tell you anything!" he blurted out, his voice cracking with panic. He moved back in his chair only to hit the wall behind him, clearly unnerved by Elowyn's presence and the sudden change in her appearance. His hands trembled slightly, and Kaito could see the desperation in his eyes as he glanced around, searching for an escape route.

Kaito felt a pang of concern as he watched the man's reaction. Whatever Elowyn had done  had clearly rattled him. As Kaito glanced towards Elowyn, he saw her as he always did - the familiar figure of his El, a smoke show in his eyes, sure, but nothing out of the ordinary. Confusion creased his brow as he tried to comprehend the man's reaction. What could possibly be so terrifying about her? But before he could dwell on it further, his attention snapped back to the man as he heard the frantic tone in his voice.

"I'll ask you to show a little respect to my partner," Kaito interjected firmly, his voice carrying a subtle warning. The man's eyes widened in terror as he looked back at Kaito, his frantic gaze darting between the two of them.

"She's a monster! You're both monsters!" the man exclaimed, his voice trembling with fear. Without another word, he leaped up from his chair, causing it to topple over, and made a dash for the door, leaving behind his belongings in his haste to escape.

The whole exchange was confusing to say the least. Elowyn assumed she still looked like the man Kaito had devised that had tricked the innkeeper and her staff, but the quick change in demeanor and reaction made her think the necklace had once again changed her. Her mouth hung open in surprise as he bolted out the door and she looked at Kaito.

"Do I look different or something? Did I change for you?" She lifted the clear crystal sphere and peered down her nose at it awkwardly, as if that would magically provide answers.

"I mean...I guess I must look different....I don't think the character you created was that scary..."

She smiled sheepishly up at him and then glanced nervously after the man, "Should we go after him....?"

Kaito's concern flickered behind his eyes as he observed Elowyn's confusion, but he masked it with a calm demeanor. "No, no, you look exactly as you should," he assured her, trying to offer a reassuring smile. He didn't want to alarm her with his own doubts about the situation.

As she mentioned going after the man, Kaito hesitated for a moment, weighing the options. "We probably should," he conceded, though his tone hinted at his uncertainty. "But I don't know if it's worth it. Let's just gather our things and get out of here, shall we?"

With a subtle gesture, he motioned for her to lead the way back to the room, allowing her to take the lead as he followed closely behind. "After you."

She pursed her lips, sensing the not-so-honest answer, but not because his words triggered her ability to tell, but because there were certainly things being left unsaid. They already knew that the necklace could show multiple faces to multiple people, but what face did it decide to show this time? A monster, if the man's words were to be believed, that much was apparent.

"Ok." She agreed and turned towards the room, "we're leaving the more...ah....colorful clothing." She added without turning back, anxiety and exhaustion high after the excitement.

When they returned to the room, she held the door for Kaito and tilted her head to the side to peer at him curiously, "You don't have to keep things from me, you know."

Kaito almost had forgotten just how sharp Elowyn was, but her keen intuition and perceptive nature quickly reminded him. It was moments like these that reaffirmed his decision to bring her along - seeing the potential in her that she often failed to see herself.

He followed Elowyn into the room, his mind still swirling with apprehension. As he gathered his belongings, stuffing away one of the more "colorful" attire just in case, he couldn't shake the weight of the recent events. The man's words echoed in his mind, and he couldn't help but worry about the necklace and its unpredictable nature.

"I know, El," he began, his voice soft and tinged with regret. "I don't want to keep things from you, but... I'm just concerned about the necklace. I don't want anything to happen to you." He paused, considering his next words. "Things have already happened because of me, you know? Mischief, trickery, heists - I can control all of that to an extent. But this?" he delicately held the necklace between his fingers, "this I know nothing about."

She nodded. That all made sense and she was also silently concerned about it, and she voiced that to him as well.

"But it will allow us to be separated. That is a big pro...I'm sure there's a way to control it. Or a way for me to actually know what it's showing other people." She bit her lip as she stepped away from him and bringing the necklace with her. The door swung shut and she proceeded to collect the only two things that she had to her name at this point: her much too fancy dress and her much too fancy shoes.

Perhaps it was something she could sell? Though, for now, she didn't want to do that. Something about keeping it helped her feel a little less homesick. Maybe one day she'd feel better about it.

"We should try some exercises." She added, "Maybe not here, but sometime. To see if I can influence it."

The streets of the town were alive with activity as Kaito and Elowyn made their way through the bustling crowds. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets and the colorful buildings lining them. People bustled about, merchants hawking their wares, children playing in the streets, and the smell of food wafting from the nearby taverns.

As they walked, Elowyn fidgeted with her necklace, asking Kaito repeatedly what she looked like now. Each time, he saw only her - her familiar features, her determined expression. But one time, just one fleeting moment, he caught a glimpse of a sturdy man in her place. A handsome man at that. He wasn't self-conscious or anything, but why did he have to be so handsome?

Finally, they arrived at the governor's mansion at nightfall, a grand building with towering columns and lush gardens. The sound of music and laughter spilled out from within, mingling with the chatter of the guests gathered outside. Servants bustled about, carrying trays of food and drink, while nobles and socialites mingled in their finest attire.

On the outskirts of the house, away from prying eyes, Kaito began his transformation. With practiced ease, he donned his disguise - a well-to-do noblewoman with a figure-hugging gown that accentuated his curves and emphasized an ample bust. A wig of long, flowing hair completed the look, framing his face in soft curls and adding to his allure.

Once he was ready, Kaito turned to Elowyn, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Remember the plan?" he said, his voice now feminine and mature in his disguise. "I'm going to find Governor Greedy and try to seduce him with these bad boys," he added, motioning to his exaggerated cleavage with a coy smile.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?!"