∴ 003 ∴ Voice ∴ Open ∴

[as_you_command]

Whomever decided that it would be a fun prank to steal my clothes in the night and leave me with such a ridiculous costume, let it be known-- [ A deep breath, as he attempts to calm down, but it doesn't work so well. Someone hasn't even had tea yet. ] I am not amused

Comments

[knightmare_hime]

[His assumptions are, indeed, correct.]

That sounds reasonable enough. [As much as she would appreciate a good meal, she will likely not attend until the later part of the evening anyway. Hopefully there will be food enough for latecomers. She's already lost several pounds due to an inconsistent diet. And she would rather not cut back on the strength enhancement training she's been exercising daily.

It really isn't the event she wishes to avoid. But rather the idea of participating in anything the fae have had their dirty hands in. With that said, she is worried that by congregating everyone together, a troublesome situation could occur. They aren't to be trusted. Especially when they have treated their prisoners as nothing more than toys. In the end, she agreed to go in order to assess the situation, and ensure that nothing unseemly takes place. Her dress doesn't afford many places to hide iron, but she will improvise.

Her gaze is just short of looking at the screen of the device. It flickers up to glance at him, but it is gone again when she speaks.]

I will be certain to arrive before your performance then.

[as_you_command]

[ Fortunately, the vest still offers him some cover -- the knives were untouched, even though the coat had been stolen. The boots also served as secure holsters. If the fae thought to catch them all off guard on such a joy-filled occasion, they would be mistaken. ]

[ But he pushes that thought aside, because now he has to deal with the implications in her words. Perhaps he was looking too deeply into them for her approval, but she did say she would be there, specifically, before he started playing.

There are few ways to interpret that, and the corner of his mouth tugs up, faintly. ] I will look forward to your attendance, Cornelia. I think we have practiced well enough for this.

[ Then it was his turn to avert his gaze a moment, since he has a question of his own. ] Will you be arriving with an escort? [ He doubted it; or maybe he just wanted to doubt it. It isn't as if he thought she would ever go for that. Any time that they had ever arrived together at an event, it was always a formality -- as "the Princess and her Knight", and never "Cornelia and Guilford".

Always at her side; never on her arm.

But on the off chance she was arriving with someone else, he'd like to know in advance... because maybe it's something he has to brace himself for. ]

[knightmare_hime]

[That earns him another glance, one that remains fixed on the screen, her eyes widening slightly as heat, again, rushes to her cheeks. It causes a momentary lapse in words, most of which is spent scolding herself for feeling embarrassed over something so trivial.

She cannot, for the life of her, understand why he would be asking her something like that. Perhaps that's why her stomach seems to be tightening into tiny knots. Her tongue feels dry, but she forces it to cooperate, even as her brain seemingly fails to connect with the words she speaks.]

Why... do you ask?

[as_you_command]

[ She had managed to turn that question around on him so smoothly that he had no time to prepare. At first, he only acknowledges that she had asked him something at all with the creasing of his brow and another clearing of his throat.

Now he really needed that tea, but it would have to wait. ]

If there will be many late-comers, preparations needed to be made. [ Back-pedaling smoothly, he continues. ] I merely wished to know if you had information that there will be many more attending toward the end of the dinner period.

[knightmare_hime]

Ah, that...

[Any trace of nervousness disappears in that instant. Of course his concern was for the festival; not for her. She isn't surprised by his admission, and refuses to let herself feel disappointed. It's about time she got used to the changes in this man. He isn't going to revert back to the person she remembers.

She's still looking at him, her gaze even, steady, cool.] I wouldn't know. I will be attending alone.

[as_you_command]

I see. [ His reaction was quick, calm, as he managed to keep his irrational concern hidden. With a small smile, he bowed his head to the screen. ] I should finish adjusting this... costume, and get on my way. There will no doubt be other matters I can assist with before the festivities commence.

[ A momentary pause, while he considers is phrasing. His tone is soft, because there is no hiding the fact that he is glad she will attend. ] I will look for you tonight, Cornelia.

[knightmare_hime]

[The softness of his tone throws her a bit, as do his words. That he will be looking for her... She shouldn't think too much into his wording, especially when he has just dismissed her again. The only change in her expression is perhaps her mouth, which tightens slightly, and after a moment of silence, she nods her head, eyes drifting away.]

I wish you luck with that. Your attire, that is.

[And she hesitates, her lips poised as if she might say more. After a pause, she clears her throat and offers him another nod, this time to signify that she is disconnecting. And the feed cuts out.]