ROLEPLAY HQ - masks-we-wear

TW: erotic content, use of alcohol, trauma, violence, adult themes

Ezra looked over the masked crowd gathering in the ballroom and once again wondered if this was a good idea. In the past few weeks he had been called back from the war front after the assassination of his elder brother who was meant to be king of Genosia. Ezra had always been the back up, the second son only meant to take the crown if something had happened like in the unfortunate situation his family was in currently. Knowing he was never meant to have the crown Ezra had taken to the battlefield fighting along the front lines as he lead the armies and became a war hero, giving up his right arm in the process. He didn't want to be king, never had but as the eldest son now it was his duty. His parents had rushed to throw together a grand party to bring in the noble women or those from wealthier families to find a suitor for him, something else he had never wanted. His stipulation for having the ball was to have a masquerade, a party to where faces would be hidden and obscured so he could find a potential bride not based on their lineage and station, but someone whose company he enjoyed. He also demanded the ball be open for anyone in the country who could make it and find a mask. Ezra had always been a man of the people and even now that he would be leaving the battlefield he didn't plan on changing that.

2:22 PM

Ezra waited patiently out of the way while the crowd began to grow. There were few that recognized him, most wouldn't have seen him in years much less with only the one arm. Some did however, mostly children of other nobles who served in the war and he didn't mind them since they tended to be more down to earth and not approaching him about their sisters or daughters. Ezra took his time making his way through the crowd talking to most but trying not to dwell for long on any one person. He wore a fine regalia in the colors of his family, a dark grey the color of charcoal and a verdent green like emerald. His green shoulder cape hung over his right arm, mostly hiding the lost limb and a mask in the likeness of an owls face covered the upper portion of his face. The mask hadn't been planned to cover the series of scars that covered the area of his right eye but it was appreciated.

2:22 PM

@KillahxKylie

Evelyn was surprised when she was told that she would be attending the coming masquerade ball. Normally when it came to her family she was the last of her many sisters to get to attend. Being the youngest of 4 sisters there wasn't always money to provide each of them with a dress but this time was different, this time she finally got to go. When the day came her and her sisters spent the entire day together getting ready, giggling and helping each other into their dresses. Hers was a deep red color with gold accents and she'd found an intricate gold mask to wear with it. The idea of a masquerade was exciting to her, so many people gathered in one place and very few knowing who each other were. The mysterious air was intoxicating from the moment she walked into the ballroom. She enjoyed her time, engaging in conversation with many people who seemed lovely and a few who seemed, well, quite abrasive. It took her a bit to warm up but she found herself enjoying the dancing once she found her footing. @Vampirate

Ezra made his way through the ball occasionally looking at the dance floor where happy people enjoyed dancing. He had been trained to know all the dances common in his kingdom but there were few that he could still do in his condition. The stump of his arm began to itch, that was always the worst part, pain and an itchiness that hovered to where he couldn't scratch it, where his arm used to be. To say that losing his arm didn't bother him would be a lie, losing your dominant hand was very inconvenient although he would do it all over again. He worked hard to protect his kingdom and if an arm and some scars were all it cost he would gladly pay it again. Fortunately few mentioned it as he talked to the individuals attending the ball, most would glance and see the empty space and do their best to avoid staring and not being it up. He didn't mind discussing it but it would get old if more than just a few overly drunk people asked about it through the night. The tempo changed as the bards switched to a different song, one that he knew and could still dance to. He excused himself from a conversation he was having to walk to the dance floor. He began to dance with a few masked woman and having a great time, the feint warmth of the sparkling wine helping to ease the nerves. As partners exchanged and switched he found himself standing in front of a woman dressed in red and gold. He rested his remaining arm behind his back and bowed. "May I?" He asked, his voice deep but pleasant like a hot drink on a cold night. The current dance was simple but fast paced, partners clasping their left hands together and holding them up as they spun in circles with simple steps that could be quickly learned even by inexperienced dancers. Normally the right arm would be held behind their backs but he no longer needed to do that part. @KillahxKylie

Evelyn smiled politely when the man asked her to dance, he didn't look familiar but then again most of the people here didn't whether it was from the masks or simply never having met them before. She was quick to step into place, her left hand on his and her right hand rested at her back as they spun on the dance floor. She couldn't help but notice the missing limb but she felt no judgment or ill feelings about it, only curiousity of his it happened. Was he born like that? Did he lose it in battle? She decided against asking as it didn't seem appropriate for a stranger. "May I know your name?" She settled in instead, her voice like a melody smooth and soothing to the ears. She couldn't help but notice the warmth radiating off of his hands, or the striking blue of his eyes through the mask, the man was handsome as far as she could tell and she hadn't had enough of the sparkling wine for it to be clouding her judgement yet. @Vampirate

Ezra danced with her and was surprised when she asked for a name. He gave her the smallest hint of a smile "I'll make a trade with you, I'll give you my name for yours. Only first names however, a last name would remove the anonymity and defeat the purpose of the mask right?" He teased as they spun. "My name is Ezra, and yours Milady?" He asked offering his own in return. Ezra was a common enough name in the kingdom so although she might recognize him if she paid enough attention to the royal family but most wouldn't have a clue. He noticed some pairings were starting to change but he wasn't ready to himself, it wasn't a rule you must anyway. She was a beautiful young woman, atleast from what he could see not hidden by the mask and so far she had been pleasant company. Some of the women he had danced with seemed hesitant most likely due to his arm and while he understood and didn't mind it was nice not dancing with someone who seemed uncomfortable or worried he was fragile. Ezra was a tall man and well built due to his time in battle so he was far from brittle. "Are you enjoying the ball?" He asked curiously, unsure if she was from a wealthier family and had attended plenty before or if she was a more normal townsfolk who hadn't been to one until today. The answer to that didn't matter to him, despite being born to the most powerful family of one of the largest kingdoms he had never taken to thinking of others as lesser due to their wealth or influence. He had served with too many good men of all ranks for that to matter to him. @KillahxKylie

"A fair trade Ezra, I'm Evelyn, it's lovely to meet you." She smiled as they continued to dance, in no rush to switch partners. She wondered just who the man behind the name and mask was. If she had somehow ended up dancing with royalty or if he was just another townsperson like herself. Her family wasn't poor by any means but they also weren't extremely well off. Her elder sisters had certainly seen more of this life than she had, the downfall of being the youngest. "I am it's quite lovely, the ballroom is beautiful and the music has been very enjoyable. Most of the people I've spoken to have been quite friendly as well. And yourself? Are you enjoying the ball?" @Vampirate

Ezra continued to smile softly as they danced and he listened to her, not just hearing her words but actually listening, curious about her. "I would say I'm having a lovely time. Admittedly this isn't my preferred setting but Im still having a good time. It helps that I get to enjoy a dance with someone interesting." He almost missed a step at this point, his balance being off a bit since he hadn't performed this dance since his injury. Ezra could tell by the music that the song was about to come to an end. Briefly he considered motioning for the bards to continue so he could keep enjoying himself but he didn't want to make it easier for anyone to recognize him. The end of the dance ended with an inward twirl with the man catching the woman with a dip and he didn't know if he would be able to manage that. "When we get to the twirl will you lean in closer, I would hate to drop you in the middle of the room?" I ask not wanting to embarrass her or accidentally harm her when everyone was looking. @KillahxKylie

"I haven't been in this setting much admittedly so it's a nice change of pace" She could feel her cheeks tint pink under the swirling details of the mask concealing who she was. She assumed he must be of at least a higher class than herself if he experienced this setting so often but he seemed so much different than most of the people of higher class that she had met. He seemed genuinely kind. "Of course" She dipped her head in a slight nod when he requested she move closer when the song ended, she didn't know this dance very well but she knew it ended with a dip. The thought of being in such close contact did make her nervous but she also didn't want to embarrass either of them in the middle of the dance floor. When the time came she twirled towards him and kept her promise, leaning in closer to make it easier for him to dip her. She had of course seen the injury but somehow she trusted that he would still be able to keep her upright and safe. @Vampirate

When the moment came to twirl and dip Ezra went through the motions with practice ease until it came to the actual dip. With her leaning in closer he was able to dip her without much difficulty. He may have only had the one arm but he was strong and muscular from his time as a soldier and at the moment he was thankful for that. When she was dipped he held there for just a brief moment as he smiled down at her but the moment passed slower for him as he found himself caught up in the moment. As the song ended he lifted her back upright. He didn't let go of her hand immediately but he held it more softly now. "I'm afraid the dance is over but when the last song begins to play would you save the dance for me?" He asked in a low gentle tone. He had thoroughly enjoyed the dance and wanted to spend a little more time to learn more about her but his obligations wouldn't currently allow it. He didn't know if there was a connection there yet but he wanted to explore it. Ezra lowered himself and gently kissed the top of her hand before releasing it. "I hope to see you again tonight." He told her with a last brief smile before disappearing back into the crowd. He couldn't help the small smile that stretched across his lips as he made his way to grab a mug of ale and made his way to the balcony. Leaning over the railing he looked at the decorative hedge maze and the fountain in the center as he took a moment away from the crowd. @KillahxKylie

When the time came and Ezra dipped her with such ease, even holding her there for what seemed like several long moments Evelyn couldn't help the feeling of butterflies that she felt in her stomach. He felt strong, even through his clothes she could tell he was muscular. When the song ended she was disappointed, she wanted to dance with him more, to learn more about him. She was quick to nod when he asked her to save the last dance for him. "I will do my best to come and find you when the last song plays." She smiled softly, she certainly didn't have any plans to share it with anyone else. After he'd kissed her hand she felt a sense of giddiness that she couldn't deny even if she had wanted to. She felt like she was floating as she made her way through the crowd of people, a smile upon her face the entire time. She danced with a couple of gentlemen who approached her and asked but the entire time she could only think about Ezra and if he would really be waiting for her when the last dance would start to play. @Vampirate

Ezra had stayed there for a while drinking his ale until he decided it would be best to rejoin the party. It was true he had shared a marvelous dance with someone but he had an obligation to rejoin the party and mingle. There was nothing saying anything but tonight would happen with Evelyn and although he wanted to explore that more he had to keep his kingdom in mind. He placed his empty mug on an empty tray aa server was carrying for that purpose and started talking to groups of people. He stumbled across multiple groups that he could tell were a mix of the wealthy and common and it made him smile, knowing if nothing else that had made the party worth it. Well, that and his dance with her. He chatted for a while longer and had some pleasant conversations but eventually he found himself back near the dance floor. He had caught glimpses of her dancing with others and he wondered if she would still save the last dance for him. He danced with others awkwardly admittedly from the style of dance but it always felt like the women were afraid of hurting him or nervous. A couple were pleasant but he never felt that same excitement as before. When his steward came out and announced it was time for the final dance more people came to the floor than at any other point and he stood looking for her. @KillahxKylie

Evelyn couldn't help herself from looking around the dance floor even when she was entertaining other mens requests to dance, she was eager to dance with the same man from before, hoping that he would still be waiting to save the last dance for her. With the mix of wealthy people and commoners here she knew there was a good chance that someone of a higher caliber would come and sweep him off his feet instead. Not that she was necessarily thinking that she'd like to be the one to do so but she would be lying to herself if she tried to deny the connection she felt with him during just that first dance. When the steward came to announce that it was time for the last dance she couldn't help but frown, the night had been so fun and she didn't want it to be over. As people started to crowd the dance floor she made her way through trying to find Ezra. She was just about to give up assuming that someone else had caught his eye when she saw him. She smiled excitedly as she made her way over to where he was standing on the floor "I was hoping I would find you again Ezra." @Vampirate

Ezra at one point thought he might have seen Evelyn walking to the floor with another man and he was momentarily disappointed until he saw it was just someone in a similar outfit. He sighed inwardly to himself until he heard a family voice from beside him. He turned and smiled at her. "I thought you might have already disappeared on me." He teased briefly. "I don't suppose you found someone else to dance with?" He asked before taking her hand to lead her out to the dance floor while the music began to pick up. "Would you rather take my hand or have it on your waist?" He asked knowing with him it would have to be just one or the other. @KillahxKylie

"Of course not, a lady never breaks a promise Ezra." She teased right back with a smile before taking his hand to follow him back onto the dance floor, unbothered by the much larger crowd that had gathered now that it had been make known that this would be the last song. "Oh" She hummed for a moment in contemplation mostly because she didn't want to make him feel awkward by being too forward, that thought was fleeting though. "My waist." She said it with more confidence than she actually had as she brought both of her hands to rest behind his neck, the height difference between them complimenting them perfectly. "I must admit I'm a bit surprised that you didn't find a more suitable dance partner, there are so many beautiful women here it's intimidating." @Vampirate

"A lady huh? So are you telling me you're a noble woman?" He asked with a teasing smile. He didn't get the impression from her that she was although that wasn't important to him. He had been trying to think of he recognized her since their dance but he couldn't remember having seen her until the night although the mask did make that task harder which was the reason he wanted a masquerade to begin with. Ezra placed his hand on her hip and began to dance with her slowly spinning with the music. "I trust my judgement well enough to think that my first choice was the correct one." The corner of his mouth turned upward into faintest hint of a smile as he looked down into her eyes. "But I must say I hadn't noticed the amount of beautiful women here, perhaps my eyes had already been caught." The slow dance had been more difficult than he had expected but he didn't want to lose the chance to savor one last dance for the night. It had required more of his attention than he would have liked but in his mind it was more than worth it even if he did have to be careful not to step on her feet. It was at this moment however that he realized the fault in his plan, when this was over he would struggle to find out who she was with only her first name and appearance to go off of, and in a country as vast as Genosia it would be quite the task. @KillahxKylie

"Oh no not exactly." She said politely when he asked if she was a noble, she knew better than to lie about such things, if someone to were mistake her for someone of status and she did something wrong she wouldn't want anyone to get in trouble because of her. "You flatter me Ezra" She smiled softly wondering if he could see the way she was blushing or if the twisting turning gold of the mask was enough to hide it. Nobody complimenting her had ever made her feel this way before, normally it made her want to shy away but with him if felt nice, it felt welcomed. "You aren't the only one who's eye has been caught already." She said softly unsure if he would even be able to hear her over the music and bustle of people dancing. It hadn't occured to her until this moment that she really wanted to know more about Ezra, she wanted to spend more time with him, she was sure that it wouldn't be appropriate to ask for more of his time after the ball was over though so she kept her thoughts to herself and just focused on the dance. She'd never had a slow dance like this before and she found that she really enjoyed it. @Vampirate

Ezra wasn't sure if he was meant to hear her words or not but he had heard them just the same. He had growned accustomed to blocking out background noise to focus on what was said near him and he was thankful for that at the moment. His smile only grew more at her words. Ezra didn't say anything for a moment as he just reveled in the dance and thought about how he could find her after the night was over. He still hadn't managed to find a way but he hoped she lived in the main city or a nearby so he would be able to find her. He thought she seemed to be enjoying his company as well and hoped that was the case. Ezra was preparing to tell her something when he heard a commotion and the sound of shattering glass. He slowed to a stop and noticed that the other dancers were as well although some seemed to take longer to notice and only after those around them had stopped. "You don't belong here low blood he heard a man's voice loudly state before it was followed by another crashing noise. Ezra's jaw tightened and his brow furrowed as he stared in that direction. They weren't close to the commotion but he was still close enough to see what was happening. A man in fine purple and gold with a mask in the shape of a stags head was berating a man who was obviously not as well of the other man. His clothes were made from a lesser material and design but looked like they were probably the best the man had, something reserved for bigger events. The man in purple had a wet spot on his outfit that looked like it must have been from a spilled drink and Ezra was able to quickly put together the pieces. The non noble man must have accidentally bumped into the noble and spilled one of their drinks on him and the nobleman was pissed.

6:02 PM

Ezra began to walk over there when he saw his father, a handsome man who looked like an elder version of himself walked over with two guards flanking him. He watched as his father berated the nobleman before the guards escorted him not so gently out of the ballroom. He thanked his father at that moment knowing if he had stepped in his identity would have most likely been discovered, something he had been trying hard to avoid. "Despicable." Ezra muttered under his breath clenching his fist before remembering where he was. Gently he reached back for Evelyns waist placing his hand there but knowing the ball was over.

6:02 PM

@KillahxKylie

The sound of glass shattering made Evelyn jump the second she heard it splinter and scatter across the floor. As they slowed and came to a stop she turned to watch the scene unfold along with most of the others in attendance. Low blood. She'd heard the term before, she knew it wasn't something one said out of kindness and she couldn't help but feel for the man who appeared to have put his all into looking his best. It must have hurt to be berated and embarrassed in such a way in front of so many people. Everything in her wanted to go to him, to say something to the so called noble that was berating him but a man easily recognizable to everyone beat her to the punch. "I'll never understand people like that" She sighed heavily knowing her own status was barely above the man who was just openly berated in front of everyone for making a simple mistake. "I think the dancing may be over for the night" she said softly wishing it wasn't. She didn't want to leave yet. "I wish the night was still young, I was having such a lovely time with you Ezra." @Vampirate

Ezra frowned still bothered by the situation but that wasn't unusual. Most of the people in the ballroom either looked shocked or upset. The night was almost over without a hitch and then this had to happen right torwards the end. He wouldn't say his mood was soured, he had been enjoying a lovely time dancing afterall, but it did feel like it stole the moment. "I wish I didn't but I do, I've seen it too many times. Someone is born to a family with some money and gets told that their special because of it. Those kids grow up with fat heads and believe since they're special than they're better than those without the money." He realized he was starting to ramble but he couldn't help it when it came to this topic, it was one of the things that filled him with the most rage. Part of the reason it angered him so was due to the fact that could have easily been him. Genosia was a large, powerful, and influential country and he was born to it's ruling family. His father had always been the sort of man to not care about a person's station and he had thankfully passed it down to him. Then when he was older and went to war it didn't just mature him but allowed him the chance to fight alongside people he would call brothers who were from every caste.

9:34 PM

. He realized he had gotten himself worked up again and stopped, taking deep breaths and relaxing his muscles to get himself back under control. Moving his hand from her waist he took her hand in his and gently pulled her along. When they had managed to make it to the now empty patio he pulled her to the corner where they were out of the way. He leaned against the railing down to patch of roses and plucked one in a red identical to her dress, ignoring the thorn that pricked his thumb. He took a moment to smell the rose before looking back at her. "I don't think the royal family would miss one rose." He told her smiling down before putting the rose in her hand. "If you live in the city put that rose in your window and I'll find you." He moved closer leaning down close and torwards her. "I want to kiss you" he admitted before continuing "but not tonight, all the more reason to meet again." He smiled once more before leaving her and disappearing through the crowd. @KillahxKylie

Evelyn easily let him take her hand and lead her out to the beautiful patio surrounded by gardens and roses. "This is beautiful Ezra." She looked around at the empty patio before he led her over into the one corner, admiring the rose bushes before he plucked one from one of them so easily. "I certainly hope not, I wouldn't want to get in trouble for stealing from the royal family" She laughed softly even though she was only half joking, she had no idea just how badly they would react if they were to have seen. "I'll be sure to do that." She smiled at him, her breath catching when he leaned down closer to her, she had expected that he was going to kiss her and when he didn't she couldn't help but feel mildly disappointed. "Perhaps the next time we meet then" She replied, the smile still on her face long after he disappeared back into the crowd. When she arrived home, rose in hand, she made sure to put it on the window facing towards the street in the off chance that he really meant it and would really find her before she made her way to bath and turn in for the night, the entire evening playing on repeat in her mind before she finally fell into a peaceful sleep. @Vampirate

Ezra watched the crowd disappear and let his shoulders slump with a deep sigh. The night had been stressful for weeks but for the most part it had gone well and he enjoyed himself. The bit at the end really helped to bring the mood down but he still couldn't begin to regret the masquerade. Afterall he had spent time with a lovely woman and he now had a way to find her even if it would be challenging. Ezra could think about that later though, for now there was work to be done. Ezra oversaw the clean up of the ball including the food and drink. He had decided before the party planning had been finished that all the untouched food would go to the orphanages and halfway houses. Now he needed to oversee their transport and help the steward get everything finished. The night had dragged on but eventually everything was clean enough for him to feel alright with turning in. He made his way to his wing of the castle and to his room. He stripped along the way to his bathroom where one his servants had drawn him a hot bath and slid slowly down. He relaxed for a while thinking back up on the day, mostly about the two dances he shared with Evelyn. It would take time but he would find her again. That thought was all that went through his head as he finished bathing and went to bed, his exhausted mind quickly slipping into sleep. @KillahxKylie

The following morning Evelyn woke up still riding the high from the night before. It had gone so perfectly and every time she thought about it she couldn't help but smile. She made her way down the stairs to start her daily chores, making breakfast for the family and then doing her part of the cleaning. The rest of the day was hers and hers alone she was free to do as she pleased and she made her way into town to do a little shopping for some dry goods they needed in the house and then stopped at a bookstore, using some of the money she had left to purchase a new book she could spend the afternoon curled up reading. Once she got home she did just that, taking breaks in between chapters to add wood to the fire that was crackling away and filling the room with the perfect ambiance. Occasionally she would find herself glancing at the rose sitting in the window wondering if and when Ezra would make his appearance again. @Vampirate

When he woke all Ezra wanted to do was go into town and hunt down the rose and with it Evelyn. Instead he had to spend the first few hours of the day being taught more of his kingly duties he would need to know soon. He did his best to pay attention and he had a good grasp on it but his mind kept going to the night before and Evelyn. As soon as he was free however he went straight to his room and looked through his wardrobe. He didn't know if he would find her that day, he actually doubted it. The night before he hadn't actually got confirmation she lived in the city and even if she did the city was large. He wanted to find something to wear that would make him seem like he was well off but nothing that screamed nobility much less soon to be king. He wanted to make sure that she was interested in him and not his crown and revealing his position now would make that impossible. Eventually he settled on an outfit before leaving. After the assassination of his brother his family wanted him to leave with at least a few guards but he declined. Ezra was confident in his abilities to defend himself but he would also prefer to blend in which wouldn't draw the attention of any would be assassins. Instead he left on just his horse with an average saddle so he could move quickly. @KillahxKylie

As the day slipped away Evelyn could feel herself growing disappointed and distracted from the book that she was trying to occupy herself with. She knew of course that it was unrealistic to expect Ezra to find her in one day of course, it was a large city and she hadn't disclosed that she lives near the docks as opposed to living in the center of the city. As she got ready to turn in for the night, bringing her book with her to read in bed, she tried to keep up the hope that he really would find her. She knew of course that it was a little silly to expect him to really show, to give her her own personal fairy tale, she couldn't help but feel like he'd meant it when he said he would come and find her. @Vampirate

Two days two days of searching and Ezra came up empty handed. It wasn't all bad, the time had given him the opportunity to really think about what he wanted and what to say to her when he found Evelyn again. This was also the most he had ever seen of the city and since it would be his soon this was a good experience. Still though the lack of finding her was making him anxious. It could take him a week of going through the city to look at every home and that was even if she was indeed in this city. Maybe being all secretive had actually been a bad idea and he should have been more direct but he was caught up in the mystique and the theatre of the situation. Looking over the ocean Ezra wondered if perhaps today would be the day he found her. It was still early in the afternoon, plenty of time to look but it still felt like it wasn't enough. The song of seabirds filled his ears as his horse slowly treaded forward. Looking from house to house he saw plenty of flowers in pot and in soil but never his rose. Just before he thought about stopping for a meal he saw a hint of red in the window of a house not much different than the others around it. As he got closer he could see the form of his rose, slightly wilted and aging but the vibrant red on the single bloom was unforgettable. Filled with a new gusto he hopped off his horse and forced himself to walk at a normal pace to the door. Taking a deep breath he braced himself before knocking on the door. @KillahxKylie

Evelyn had all but given up on the prospect of Ezra finding her as the days passed, she told herself that it was a silly idea to begin with, to really believe that a complete stranger would take the time to go home to home just to look for a rose, and with it another complete stranger. Not to mention she hasn't even said she lived in this city, for all she knew he was looking home to home in a completely different kingdom. She had just started to cook a hot lunch for her family, making her way through the kitchen with an expertise that only a lot of practice from a young age could have brought her. Just when she'd begun to set the table for everyone there was an unexpected knock at the door. "I'll get it!" She called out before wiping her hands off and making her way to the door to pull it open with a polite smile. When she saw who it was standing on the other side of the door she couldn't help but smile even brighter. "Ezra? Is it really you?" She asked almost in disbelief, he was even more handsome without the mask, she had expected as much but seeing it took her breath away. She couldn't help but blush when she realized he was seeing her for the first time too and hoped that he wasn't disappointed. @Vampirate

Ezra waited patiently at the door as his heart slammed repeatedly against his chest and butterflies flew throughout his stomach. He had spent years fighting in the war why was waiting at the door causing more anxiety and excitement than waiting for battle. Closing his eyes he took one more deep breath before he heard the door getting opened. Ezra had plenty of time while searching for her to consider what to say when he finally saw her again and he had thought of many things he wanted to say. Seeing her here now though all those things he planned to say escaped his mind and tongue. All he could manage was a warm smile and "You look beautiful." He didn't know if she would come to the door herself or another family member or maybe even staff but now seeing her it was glad it worked out this way. He looked down over her looking her over without the mask has he made out each detail of her. She wasn't dressed up like she was going to a fancy ball but she was even more beautiful. "I'm sorry it took me so long to find you, I've spent every hour of daylight since then trying to find you." He explained taking her hand in his. "I hope I'm not disturbing you, do you think we could go for a walk?" He had no idea what her life was like or if this was a bad time but all he could hope for was her having the time at the moment to spend a little with him. @KillahxKylie

'You look beautiful' It was a simple statement but it was enough to calm her nerves at least a little bit about him seeing her with no mask on, not to mention with her every day clothes on. Not that she looked poorly by any means but it certainly was a far cry from the dress she had first met him in. "Please don't apologize I certainly hope I can make it worth the effort it took to find me." She looked back into the house at the table she had just set for everyone else but her mother shot her a knowing look, one that said it was okay for her to go and Evelyn could only smile in return before she met Ezras eyes again. "A walk sounds lovely." She stepped fully out of the house and waited for him to take the lead. "You know I had convinced myself that you wouldn't ever find me, or perhaps even that you wouldn't bother trying. I can't imagine how many houses you looked at before stumbling upon mine." @Vampirate

Ezra knew that she was worth any amount of effort he could have put into it, although admittedly it would have gotten harder as time went on and the flower wilted. His smile grew when she said she would go walk with him and he held out his arm for her to take. He wasn't sure what he had interrupted with his arrival but he was glad it wasn't something so important she couldn't leave. He laughed a little bit as he tried to think about how many houses he had actually passed. "Maybe it's for the best you don't know or myself for that matter. Three days is a lot of houses and even more strange looks." I laugh a little more thinking about some of the expression I had seen that had been quite funny. "I would say that it was all worth it for this though." "I will admit I'm not familiar with this part of the city, is there a particular way that you would recommend?" Ezra didn't know how long would be appropriate for them to go and walk alone seeing he as he hadn't tried courting anyone before and he didn't want her family members to be worried for her. "Did I interrupt your meal by any chance?" He asked remembering the smell of food cooking when he arrived. "We could stop somewhere for tea or a meal if there's anything nearby?" He had been so caught up in finding her he hadn't actually taken the time to make sure he wasn't interrupting her day. @KillahxKylie

"You make quite the point" she laughed softly and took his arm as they walked. She wondered just which part of the city he was from himself to have never been in the area before, it was a large city but most of the people she knew and was acquainted with had been to the area near the docks several times over. "We could walk along the water? It's one of my personal favorite places to walk whenever I find the time" She smiled softly and nodded "It's no worry at all I usually find myself doing the cooking for the family whenever I can, I'm quite the cook if I do say so myself... tea and a meal sounds lovely though, theres a small place near the docks that we could go to if that sounds okay to you?" @Vampirate

"I will default to whatever the lady wishes. I've been here only a few times to board ships or to leave them so if I lead the way it wouldn't go well." The feeling that spread through him was hard to explain but when he looked down at her and saw her facing knowing it was the same one that had been under the mask he was filled with such a joy. "So lead the way, I don't mind a walk and then a meal and tea or starting with that. I have all the time in the world and I would like to spend it with you." He listened to her mentioning her cooking and couldn't help a small laugh. "What a coincidence, I'm utter rubbish at cooking but I'm quite good at eating." He wondered briefly if she was mentioning being good at cooking because she thought it would look good for a potential partner or if she truly just enjoyed it. He needed to get out of his mind and remember she didn't know him and this wasn't the courts where everyone is looking for any way to get ahead and make everything court politics. He took a deep breath and focused on the feeling of her on his arm and it made things easier. "So outside of going to balls and cooking what do you do for fun?" He asked looking her over to see if there were any things he could pick up on. @KillahxKylie

She couldn't help but smile when he said it wouldn't go well if he led the way and so she happily took the role of leading them in the direction of the water so they could walk alongside it. She had always loved watching the waves crash against the burly stone walls. "Really? I love to cook, my mother has been teaching me how to make all of the family recipes since I was just a little girl so I've definitely gotten quite good at it, at least my family tells me that." She felt her cheeks tinting and wished she still had the mask on to hide it, she knew better than to talk about herself, she was always told that proper women were more reserved than she had ever been. Still, he didn't seem to mind it, in face he seemed to be enjoying her company. "Oh that was the first ball I'd ever been to" She smiled fondly remembering every detail of the night, save the very end with the rude man. "It was quite lovely but definitely overwhelming to me. I really enjoy reading and knitting and I've recently started learning how to cross stitch.. how about yourself? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time, I feel as though I know nothing about you aside from your name" @Vampirate

Ezra listened to her talk all the while a smile played at the corner of his mouth. It was nice to hear someone talking about something they were good at and enjoyed just because they enjoyed it and not to brag. The passion he could see in her as she spoke made his heart flutter and he couldn't help but grow more attracted to her. For it. Listening to every word she spoke he enjoyed his time with her and didn't interrupt. "Maybe there will be another ball soon." He offered almost emptied to throw another just to be able to dance with her again. "That was an unusual circumstance for sure but maybe that's just how the soon to be king is, it could be there's another opportunity soon." He doubted any other royal or high class family would do the same as he had but it could catch on as a fashionable trend, it was hard to tell. Ezra had to think for a moment about what he did he would actually consider a hobby. So much of his life had been spent either learning to be a prince or a soldier. "Well admittedly I've never had the most time for hobbies, I did enjoy swordplay but when I went to war that became less a hobby and more of a necessity. I will admit though I love to read a book or stroll through a garden, even gardening itself is something of a guilty pleasure." @KillahxKylie

"Gardening is fun" She smiled softly over at him she wasn't sure if she should mention the swordsmanship but it felt more rude to avoid the subject. "I've always envied those of you that can handle a sword, not that I ever would as a woman of course but it looks almost like an art form when someone really knows what they're doing." She could feel the question she wanted to ask dancing on the tip of her tongue and she finally gave in and asked. "I don't want to cause any discomfort but is that where you were injured? The war I mean?" Of course she didn't want him to think that she was judging him for it, she would never be so shallow and he was such a kind man that the fact he was missing a limb didn't much bother her any. He seemed to be able to hold his old regardless and she was surprised that if all the women in the kingdom he was here walking along the water with her. @Vampirate

Ezra considered talking more about gardening and his experience with it but realized by doing so he could be giving away too much on who he was. He was struggling to think of a way to mention it but was saved by her change of topic. Funnily enough her questioning about how he lost his arm was easier to talk about then not speaking about his interest was. "I don't know what being a woman has to do with it, the women in my family always learned swordplay and I served with several women. Wielding a sword is hard to explain, because it can give you so many different feelings. At times holding a sword is like a dance, shifting between stances like a dancer does steps. Sometimes it's a game though, a competition with your friends and then it's just you and you're relaxed. My apologies I don't mean to ramble." He gave an awkward smile feeling a bit embarrassed. "Sometimes I like to tell people I spent a decade at war and was fine but managed to lose my arm on the horse ride back." I relax my awkward smile and a softer one takes its place. "That's rubbish though of course, I did lose it in the war but the reaction to the horse story is always better." He didn't mind talking about his arm in reality, it was something hard to miss and it was easier to talk about it then to watch people pretend they didn't notice. "So where is this place you mentioned?" Ezra asked quickly changing the subject. He wasn't in any semblance of a hurry but he wondered if they might have passed it while wrapped in their conversation. He had appreciated that she didn't seem to mind his lack of arm or treat him differently one way or another about it. He almost thanked her for that but stopped himself when he realized it would be strange. @KillahxKylie

"I think I would be too afraid to wield a sword to be completely honest, I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of knowing that with one good swing or thrust I could potentially take a life- not that I think war is wrong on unnecessary all the time I just.." She cleared her throat and didn't finish her sentence, she didn't want to offend him after all when he had served for such a long time and had surely seen more than his fair share of bloodshed and death. Laughing when he mentioned that sometimes he would blame his injury on a horse. "I can only imagine that the reaction must be quite amusing. I'm sorry that happened though." She gave his arm a light squeeze, even if it wasn't a super sore subject she knew that it was never exactly pleasant to talk about the bad things that had happened to a person. "It's just up at the end of this block and around the corner, did you want to get something to eat now?" She couldn't help but wonder if maybe she was boring him or if he had a busy day to get back to. "I don't want to take up your entire day after all" @Vampirate

Ezra didn't mind hearing other people's opinions on war or battles or much of anything for that matter. If you went through life and thought something and no one ever challenged you on it and instead just confirmed your opinions then how how you ever grow and learn. "It is entertaining to see the reactions. Besides it isn't all bad and I just have to enjoy what I can from it. Ezra listened so he knew where it was although he wasn't in a hurry. "Milady if you took up the entirety of my day then I would consider it a day well spent." He said with an earnest smile. He would have gave her hand a reassuring squeeze but she currently held his arm and trying to maneuver the arm to do so would be tedious and make him look foolish. "Im just aware I interrupted your meal and don't want you to go hungry on my behalf. Besides I could use some tea or something to drink after wandering the city all morning." @KillahxKylie

"Oh right yes of course I should have offered you something when you found me I'm so sorry" She blushed in embarrassment she truly had no idea how to act or handle this entire thing, here was this handsome gentleman scouring the city for her and she hadn't even offered the man a drink. She could imagine her mother scolding her mentally and grimaced from it. "Please don't worry about interrupting either I would have just made myself something later on." She smiled softly over at him trying to get over the growing feeling of awkward embarrassment, hopefully things would feel a bit less strange again once they were sat down with some food and tea. She was excited to learn so much more about him. "So you're from the area then? I'm only assuming because it didn't take you weeks to find me instead of days." @Vampirate

Ezra almost wished he hadn't brought it up since he hadn't said it as an accusation just an explanation. Considering all his time in the heat of battle why did he find himself more nervous now than he had then. "No, no, please don't worry about that." He tried to say although he was so lost in his own mind now he realized he had to sound awkward. "I would much prefer being able to go out and know you with just us than sitting there trying to do the same with others around." Ezra thought about her last question for a moment unsure of how to answer. "I would say I'm from the area although with how much time I spent away I'm unsure if I would call it home." He thought about his now dead brother and realized with most of his friends still on the battlefield he didn't really have anyone he was close to other than his parents and he wasn't sure how close he would say they were. "What about you? Are-" he realized how dumb his question was midway through, he had just met her at her home moments before. "I'm sorry that was a dumb question. I meant more in the general sense, have you always lived here?" He asked hoping that his clarification helped cover up the dumb question. Thankfully he was saved by their arrival at the shop and quickly moved to hold the door open for them. @KillahxKylie

"Ah that makes sense it is a bit hard to feel like a place is home when you spent so much time away from it. I can't imagine being away for such a long time was an easy feat either." She looked out over the water briefly and wondered what it would be like to be in such a different place for such a long time constantly feeling the stress of battle, it had to be exhausting. Even if she barely knew him she was happy for him to be away from that not. "There are no stupid questions, I have lived here my entire life though yes, and several generations before me as well." She smiled brightly when they arrived at the little shop and thanked him for holding the door open when they stepped inside. She could already smell the soup and fresh bread and felt her stomach grumble embarrassingly loud. "I suppose I was a bit more hungry than I had thought." @Vampirate

Ezra followed her inside and looked around the little shop. He wasn't sure what to expect walking in since he had eaten most of his meals growing up at the castle and afterwards it would be the occasional tavern when they weren't eating at camp. The place wasn't overly decorated or ornate but that only made it cozier to him. The smells from the kitchen were delightful as well and he couldn't blame Evelyn when her stomach growled and he couldn't help but let out a small lighthearted laugh. "Well I might not have ever been here before but it smells delicious, there aren't many smells better than fresh bread." He mentioned as he looked around. "Is there anywhere in particular you would like to sit?" He hoped that they could sit somewhere near a window where they could see the ocean but admittedly he didn't mind as long as he could enjoy her company. @KillahxKylie

"I agree it's the best, it makes me want to eat even when I'm not hungry" She let out a small laugh as well as her eyes settled on a table next to a window that was currently open. She pointed to the table "How about that one, I like sitting by the window then we can still see the water." She smiled as they made their way over to sit. "What do you like to eat? I personally love the stew here it goes perfectly with the bread that they make, it's definitely a very comforting meal." @Vampirate

"This table is perfect for me." He told her with a smile as he sat down. He gazed out the window for a moment just looking out at the water. "It is a nice sight, but it's strange. I spent the last year of my service in the desert where water was much more scarce. There were plenty of days where I dreamt about the ocean or water in general and now there it is water as far as you can see." "I'm sorry, you probably don't want to hear my rambling or strange muses. Unfortunately I don't have much to talk about outside of my time in the military since it made up so much of my life." At that moment I wish I had a drink so I could hide my embarrassment in the mug. "I trust your judgement on what to eat here since I haven't had any of it. I'm not a picky eater really but if I had to pick a favorite food I would have to say a charcuterie, I love being able to just casually graze."

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@KillahxKylie

Evelyn smiled softly at him when he spoke about his time in the desert and how water was so scarce there, she had read bout such places but she couldn't imagine being so far from the water. She had always lived so close to it that in a strange way it felt like a part of her somehow. She shook her head softly when he started to apologize "No no I find it fascinating to be perfectly honest. I've never seen a desert and I've certainly never seen war. How long were you there? I can't imagine not being near the water for such a long time." She smiled politely and thanked a kind looking older woman for bringing them tea while they decided what to eat. "They have those here, I've never tried one myself but they always look delicious." @Vampirate

"I was only in the desert for around a year, I spent most of my time on the main war front in Veranday. If this war ever ends you should see it for yourself. I know the capitol is on the ocean like us but their whole country has hundreds of rivers running through it and it's quite beautiful." He took a moment to take a drink from his tea not wanting to make her feel like she couldn't talk. He didn't know if it was his upbringing or him leading troops but he had a bad habit of dominating a conversation and he didn't like the habit, especially when he wanted to learn more about her. "Well since I'm not familiar with the food here I'll just get whatever you decide you want. You seem to have good taste so I trust that you would know better than myself." He doubted there was anything in this place that wasn't great just from the smell that drifted through the air and he would have to come and explore for more places like this. "And what about you? Have you ever travelled out of the city?" He asked curiously still not having any idea what her family did or if they had the means to do so. He knew that most of the kingdom did better than their neighbors at providing a quality of life for all of its people but that didn't mean everyone got the chance or opportunity to do so. Briefly he imagined her in one of the flower filled fields of Veranday and thought how beautiful she would look amongst the flowers. @KillahxKylie