Friends and Enemies // Chapter Thirty One // Plans of Disguise

 

Excerpt from Willow's Journal

Betromith blew up at me today. He thinks I'm getting tight with Emmeth for some nefarious purpose. First of all, I am simply trying to help this planet, and its ruler, who happens to be the prince. Grief, I'm glad D isn't here, she'd be teasing me about it until I'd threaten to take away her wifi. I don't know what Betromith's stupid problem is. Does he think I'm evil or something? Is he trying to cover something up? I hope Hyaline doesn't actually like this jerk. And it really was Emmeth's idea about the him-and-Asharlah-getting-captured-part. I didn't think it'd work (and it still might not) but only time will tell. Now I have to go to Adira's with Kadesh to work out the next part of the plan. I need a ball dress and mask.
Willow

   Willow shook out the pen and dunked it back into its ink bottle. Closing the leather cover of her journal, she tucked in into her satchel and slung the strap over her shoulder. Checking her reflection in the mirror, she paused to give herself a once-over. Her waist-length dark chocolate-colored hair had been pulled back at the top with a silver clasp, and flowed freely around her shoulders. Her navy blue tunic-dress was mid-calf length, and her long sleeves were fitted to the wrist. Her black leggings were tucked into knee-length black lace-up boots. I look like a grownup, she mused, turning slightly on her heel to see how the dress fell. I wonder if I've changed much...

   Knock knock. Kadesh stuck his head in. "Ahem, your ladyship. You carriage awaits," he teased.

   Willow threw him a look, but a small smile played at her lips. "Like you would get a carriage for me."

   He shrugged. "It would be more pleasant for me as well. Now come along."

   Bréda appeared with a bundle of clothes. "Betro wants me to go stay with Lady Adira until it is more safe here," she explained, taking Willow's hand.

   Willow grinned slightly. "I'm sure Adira will love to have you stay with her, Bré. What about Brédin, though?"

   Bréda shrugged. "Betro says that he can stay. He thinks that 'cause I'm a girl I should be somewhere safe."

   Willow nodded. "That's probably for the best...." she murmured.

   "Welcome, welcome!" Adira greeted the trio as she opened the back door of her home.

   "Thank you for helping us, Aunt Adira." Kadesh clasped his aunt's hand in gratitude.

   Bréda curtsied. "Lady Adira," she acknowledged politely.

   Willow gave her a little push forwards. "Betromith wanted to know if it would be alright for Bréda to stay with you until it is safer in Essgarothe."

   Adira smiled and nodded. "Of course it is!" She knelt down to Bréda's height. "All of my children have grown and gone, and I would love to have a young girl to be my company."

   The little girl smiled, and Adira took her hand and led her to a spare bedroom to unpack. Than leaving her in the care of a servant, she reappeared and led the duo to the sunny kitchen.

   "Now, I received your letter, Kadesh, and have laid out some masks and gowns in the upstairs dressing room. Would you two like to go through them now?" she asked.

   "Yes, please," Kadesh agreed, with a nod from Willow. Once Adira showed them the costumes, Willow - who hadn't really thought that she would have a wide selection - was speechless. Glittering and shimmering gowns, masks, hair pieces, tunics, leggings, trousers and anything else you could think of were laid out neatly in a large, airy room.

   Almost afraid to speak, Willow touched a delicate dress gently to make sure it was real. "Wow," she breathed.

   Adira laughed at her speechlessness. "Go on," she encouraged, smiling broadly.

   It seemed to take hours as Willow chose a dress and mask, though it was only about twenty minutes. Kadesh had a costume of his own already, but had to bring some extras along for the others.

   After making their selections, they joined Adira and Bréda for dinner.
   "Those are lovely gowns," Willow commented, taking a bite of fried potatoes.

   "I do not mean to pry, but you were not very forthcoming in your letter. Why do you need costumes?" Adira questioned.

   Willow and Kadesh exchanged a glance. "Well..." Willow began. "You see, because Hyaline is engaged to Kedemeth, I wrote a letter to Tajoreth to suggest that they hold a masquerade ball to celebrate their coming marriage."

   Kadesh continued. "So we will be there, in masks, at the ball. We need to get a look at the king's library, but there is no other way besides this one."

   Adira lifted her eyebrows. "Quite a daring plan. Who hatched it?"

   Willow shrugged. "The prince. And me a little. I suggested the "masks" part."

   Adira nodded. "I pray that the Author will keep you safe and guide your feet, and your plan."

  

   "Ready to leave?" Kadesh asked the next day after breakfast.

   Willow nodded, then knelt down to hug Bréda. "Be brave, Bré."

   The little girl nodded sadly, and clung to her friend. "Must you go now?" she whimpered.

   Willow patted her head. "We still have to get this message to Tajoreth today, but I'm sure Betromith will bring Brédin to come visit you," she assured her.

   "Alright," Bréda agreed with a sigh, letting go of Willow's dress. She waved as the duo mounted their horses and trotted away. She was touched as they both turned in the saddle to wave back at her, then disappeared into the forest.

   What she didn't see was a darkly dressed figure crouched in the bushes, watching the entire scene. An evil grin twitched onto his ugly face, and he slunk away into the undergrowth of the forest to deliver his message.

Sorry that was a bit short, I didn't really start on it for a while, and we had stuff we were doing.

Independence Day went well. A bit boring, but no one blew up. Little Dog was a bit scared.

By the way, Bréda's name is pronounced Brayda because of the little French-like é. It makes the e sound an ay sound instead.

 Ammie and Billie are still at camp, working.

D and I are hard at work at our cosplays and fanarts, check out our new website here.

I will soon be changing the profile pictures on this blog.

Sarah awarded D and I the Sunshine Award on her blog,

so we'll be working on that and posting it soon :) Thanks, Sarah!

 Aaanndd that's all.

Can't wait for chapter thirty two!

Be a friend, not an Enemy,

Willow