---

There was initial hesitation upon the news in regard to the grandiose wedding announcement. Anyone and everyone would be attending. Parents had discussed the absence of their children to which Sonata inevitably made the decision to close school for the duration of the ceremony. Forlorn expression hidden privately behind carriage windows while watching the world move along making her way to the estate. She carried sheet music with her resting in a folder. The ride was a little bumpy and Sonata had considered walking the rest of the way – it wouldn’t have taken too long but somehow it felt out of place. The carriage came to a rickety halt shortly after following the braying sound of a disgruntled horse. “We’ve arrived Miss.” Came the coachman with a casual rapt on the door. Tucking a silver curl, dipped in lilac behind her ear, Sonata managed to force an amicable smile as she gathered the music following her thanks.

Golden sights turned to the mansion feeling the sting of uncertainty settle in the pit of her stomach. This was far too grand for her taste. She’d much rather be busily grading papers or sharing the music with the children at the orphanage. Sonata glanced down at her simply designed dress unable to swallow the fact that she could very well be underdressed. Digits gripped the papers tautly and bringing it closer to her person. Christoph, this is harder than I anticipated it would be without you.

Eventually she made her way after brief greetings and the needed directions towards the piano. She offered a genial greeting to other musicians and those taking a break. Slender digits gently swept over the grand piano while fine hairs stood along the back of her neck with anxious anticipation. Sonata was almost too afraid to touch such an expensive instrument and wondered if she should have brought her violin or other instrument she owned. Deep breath. She would find her composure and gently being to allow her hands to dance along keys.

Music playing
Her Dress

---

There was a look of disapproval written across the freckled features of the young physician-historian. Snow laden colored curled hair with hints of pastel cerulean were tucked into a tight bun with a few strays decorated into corkscrew curls. “Is this truly necessary? I can hardly walk in these shoes.” Came an agitated chuff while thin heeled shoes were dressed to her delicate little feet. “Miss Frost, with all due respect, this is a wedding you’re attending – one for nobles no less, you must dress for the occasion.” Came a gentled chastise by one of the housemaids.  “It is hard enough you’re practically taking your work with you.”

Bright blue eyes blinked as Eko peered over her shoulder; “You never know what could happen at such a grand event.” She smiled sheepishly only to then grunt once her corset was tightened a little more. 

•••

Ekosha waved off her carriage upon arrival at the estate.  She took a moment to gather her surroundings, allowing herself the time to see all what she was able. She’d been stuck in some underground chasms once upon a time that she thought were big – this estate surely put such places to shame. She adjusted her satchel made of bleached fabric – white to compliment the dress she wore. Heels clumsily clicked at the ground knowing well enough it would not be long before she would be ripping them off and roaming the corridors barefoot, courtesy be damned. “No thanks,“ she waved off an usher offering fruitful spirits. “I’m on call, need to keep a clear head.” she smiled. Her attention easily pulled by the murals that painted the walls, curiosity drawing her away from the crowds.

“Oh, I wonder what I could explore here..”

Dress

---

The carriage had suffered the worst of his brooding. Its walls had witnessed the multitude of lengthy sighs and under breathed murmurs that had departed him. They couldn't even use the drivers and wagons he had grown the most accustomed to either, a reason given that none must be able to trace them to the truth that lay beyond their disguises. A worthy explanation, yes, but yet it brought him to annoyance once more that his partner was so determined to gain insight through such frivolous means. It made little difference to him how the glimpse of the city walls was gleaned, so it was beyond him why this party simply had to be the means to an end.

Alas as the door was opened and they were freed of the interior. Emerald gaze would glance back the way they had come, to the distant pining of the opening gate. The bridge across it had been large enough, he supposed. However, the interior of the city itself would be hard to judge upon a glance from this position. His focus instead turned upon the mansion they would be entering instead, his attention lingering upon a door that lead out onto the canopy of a balcony. Perhaps from there things could be better viewed, and he would give a chaste glance to the disguised commander as well, forcing his eyes not to roll as he extended his elbow in faux chivalry to the lady. Should Mithras take his offered assistance, the touch would contain also a message, spoken only through the nuance of contact. We need to find and get to that balcony so we can better observe the surroundings. Regardless if it would be heeded or not, he would begin the walk to the doors.

Despite the public announcement, he still held a brief hint of surprise at how easily they would open for them. How the vanity of the rich and noble was so easily their largest weakness as well. An exploitation that at least one of them was eager to make. He offered a stiff bow to those that stood to greet the incoming flux of people, abandoning the pistol at his hip without complaint to the man - a soft cadence that no weapons were permitted entry. Should that be their only precaution. A pretense he had ensured to offer no further questioning. As if he needed such a thing.

"Well," he breathed, the word faint under his breath as his stare canvased their surroundings, "do what you came here for, I suppose."

---

The morning was long and dreadful in preparation while house maids busily took the time to dress the young maiden before she would take her leave to the wedding. “Miss, are you certain you are well enough to attend? You’re looking quite flushed.”  With arms stretched out on either side of her while fitting her corset, a curlish huff exhaled from paled lips. “Yes.” came her short reply. Laces were tightened from behind as her gown finished. As the last cherry blossom hairpin was tucked within alabaster curls, Avarice took it upon herself to depart her room. 

Steps were stopped as she was intercepted by the raven-colored feline. Bright eyes beaming as he then lazily rolled on to his side in the middle of the corridor. “Oh, hello Osmanthus. Did you enjoy your breakfast this morning?” she queried the feline before kneeling as best she could in the dress. Plush fingers sought to pet the little beast as he purred contently. Just as she began to pull away, small little paws reached for her hand as if to beckon her to continue. Avarice chuffed. “Oh, you silly cat. If I didn’t know any better, I would think you’re trying to keep me from leaving.” She mused. The feline simply stretched, tapping his tail against the floor. She then stood, cherry blossom gaze following the playful movements as the feline intentionally brushed up against her dress. “Arabella said I could visit – and it would feel rude to not visit with such an invitation.” a weary sigh exhaled from her lips, fatigued from the seasonal cold that often came and went. “Well, Osmanthus why don’t we go together, hm?”

• • • • 

“Madam, I implore you, please I could lose my position! I cannot allow the Friesian to enter the estate. But she is welcome to roam the pastures until you are ready to depart.” Avarice was met by a guard halting her entry with Envy’s reigns wrapped in her hand.  Cherry blossom gaze merely blinked at the well-dressed guard, her expression blank and illegible. There was a rather long and awkward pause as she stared at the man as if his words did not register. “So, I cannot provide the company of my horse for Miss Arabella?” Envy grunted, kicking a hoof into the ground as if she was offended herself. Avarice placed a hand against the side of the mares neck to settle her agitation. “I understand. My apologies.” It made sense but already forming mistakes. Ira-Gula was not here to guide her and tell her otherwise as his recently letter stated he had needed to remain at his post. Either that, or he felt obligated to do so and the actual need wasn’t necessary.

Avarice offered the reigns to a stable hand before finally offered entry into the grand estate. The feline hung lazily within her arms after scooping him from beneath the frilled skirt of her dress. “Ah, there are a lot of people here.” she gently tightened her hold of the feline though careful not to agitate him. However, something seemed to catch the felines attention and the plump cat wriggled his way from her grasp, plopping gracelessly on the ground and simply began to strut away. “Please do not wander far, I do not wish to have your owner cross with me—” Brows furrowed, puzzled as curiosity gnawed at her. The cats gait was slowed as if intentional and long fluffy tail twitched impishly as he turned and looked back at her only to continue. “Perhaps we could find somewhere less… congested.” She murmured softly.

Dress uwu
No alcohol for Avvie, she is UNDERAGED and she does not feel her best today but INSISTED on attending uwu 

---

Fingers curled tightly to fabrics as aggravation only grew. The draconian wanted to snap, to tell the general to stop with his nonsense for it seemed Theodred intended to make this journey as vexing as possible. Each dreadfully drawn out sigh and grumbled murmur a grate upon the nerves. He acted as if this were a fate worse than a more permanent death with the ways he carried on. Explanation had been given time and time again, this provided opportunity for eyes would be upon celebration. Fewer would be stationed along the city’s perimeters, authority and nobility alike would be offered distraction.

What was so hard to understand about that?

But there was no reasoning with this man at times and no matter how a tongue wished to lash any scathing remarks were swallowed back. Nothing more than a gentle thrum of magic reaching from the carriage to better take in what rose around them, grasp what one could not behold with vision alone until the steady rhythm of turning wheels would quiet. Gaze flickering toward the door fell open. Whatever tension had built against his frame forcefully melting away before any on the outside could perceive it. Though before he stepped out, movement along the haze of his peripherals brought pause.

Silent consideration taken over a proffered limb. It was Mithras’ turn to subdue the desire for eyes to roll, however, the general’s false attempts at civility would not be denied. He would not be swatted away with a scoff, the treatment promised had this occurred upon any other occasion, yet here was different. Here one needed to keep up a charade as slender digits coiled about his arm. The gentle clink of jewelry sounding as he settled against it, hanging off the man just enough to make this portrayal believable. A hold that would last until each could disappear out of sight.

Though his touch came with instruction, mention of a balcony somewhere far above them. Is that all? It would be an easy enough task to complete. There was sure to be a plethora of sound bouncing through those winding corridors, all of it working in harmony to map out the mansion’s interior to guide steps toward their proclaimed destination. Give me a moment once we get inside. Then a path could be forged as if it’d been walked before. All that stood between them was the inspection of guards, something one thought would have held tighter security measures and yet they seemed satisfied with the discard of a single pistol.

Leaving those carried beneath his own garments still in their possession, none worn so visibly as what once sat at another’s hip. No roving hands shifting over fabrics in hopes of discovering what lay hidden away. Good. Theodred could have his pick once they found some privacy but first they had to find it. Those lyrics rising as if to rush the moment they’d stepped over the threshold, his own kept just as faint, “What did I just tell you?” He needed a moment. Something he was certain the man did not need reminded of. Looks may have been altered but his mannerisms certainly hadn’t been.