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There was something about the charming and refined atmosphere the ballroom brings, even so with the beauty of the orchestra, however the beauty of ignorant bliss accentuated the evening, as faces were covered with vibrant masks. Likewise, everyone seemed to play along with fake smiles, and here Y/n was, a spectator with a dress that shimmers, that continue to scan the crowds of whoever they could be merry with.
Balls were not her favorite events, but Y/n had to admit that masquerades have a sense of secrecy, and mystery etched onto them. Seeing them could become but a faded memory. You could be free to fake your smile if you wish to do so. That was the beauty of masquerades. Maybe that was the reason Y/n joined— to experience a different kind of excitement in leaving a mark on whoever she wished to communicate with.
Their e/c eyes scrutinize every person in their sight, finding the Lord Ragnvindr with Jean Gunnhildr of the Gunnhildr estate, and along with that, other knights of the Favonius that continue to drown themselves in the finest wines of Mondstadt. In the midst of their role as a wallflower, they caught a man, who had approached them, the only detail they could make out was their hair, a navy blue, and their eyes, icy yet quite entrancing.
"My, my. I couldn't help but be... enamored by a dove like you. Won't you let a lowly raven dance with thee?" His voice was velvet. There was no doubt, he was quite the charmer, and a gentleman as well. It was quite attracting. Y/n bowed in reply, her hands reaching to hold his own warmth, with her other hand, resting by his broad shoulder. His hand slowly wrapped around her waist, and he stared at her with a smile, like that of a prince.
The music has long started, and they danced, staring at each other's eyes, trying to find answers to their inside questions. Although, the female partner often had her head at the side, Y/n couldn't help but direct her gaze fully.
"You are quite graceful," the man complimented, "like that of a swan." Y/n chuckled to herself, "Doves, then swans. Oh how you charm me, monsieur, but I must say," Y/n looked to the side, yet her gaze still lingers on his ice blue eyes. "-You're eyes are quite pretty. They remind me of the owls of the cold and gelid Dragonspine."
"How so?"
"They say that their eyes could stare right at your soul, and unravel one's secrets, while hiding their own," Y/n could see his eyes sparkled, and there was a swirling emotion within him— a riveted curiosity. "I guess that is what a masquerade is about. Hiding one's secrets while uncovering another."
"Are masquerade balls to your fancy?" He hummed, thinking of a reply. "Definitely. Something about it brings out the mystery in everyone, a mystery no one would notice in a regular ball... as for you?" She could feel his eyes piercing through her, and she smiled, giving off that same intrigued stare. "I rarely go to balls, though I was forced by my aunt to join, because 'I need a husband.'" The man laughed, and in archon's name, did it sound like a berceuse. At the same time, the music had long ended, and the two secretly wished it could go on longer. They retracted hesitantly, but his hands still held hers.
"Why don't we come by the banquet. Surely, you must be parched." Y/n nodded, and followed the male's steps, which were quite bigger than her own.
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"About our conversation," The male couldn't help but chuckle, seeing the rather pouty lips forming, when he laughed.
"I've been so enamored, it surprises me that your aunt had brought you here to find a suitor. I was very sure many had come by your doorstep, wanting to see an angel such as you." Y/n smiled, sipping on her champagne. Inside, she was silently fangirling, screaming like a kettle, though it would be unladylike— according to the elite society.
"Well, many did, although, I can't seem to find any redeeming qualities on all of them." The male smirked, sipping on his own glass.
"Hm... what exactly do you find on a man, or a woman if you're into that." Y/n chuckled, "Someone with the same interests as me, naturally."
"And those are?"
His mouth was shaped like an 'o' as he listened to her list her interests. Not only was she an avid fan of (something), she also loved to (do something).
"I might be able to bond with you in those interest if you help me." The male clasped his hands together, seeing red pool up her cheeks. "D-does that mean you're interested in me?"
"I've always been." Y/n was quite confused as he said this. Had her identity been revealed in what felt like hours talking to this man?
"Always?" "I think it's about time we... showed ourselves the hidden beauty behind these masks. Shall we?" He extended a hand to which Y/n reluctantly held as he lead her to the balcony, passing by the many people as the two found themselves in awe at the caliginous firmament of many luminaries in the sky. They faced each other, his hand leading hers to his mask, and his hand on hers, and they took the mask off in unison.
Y/n's cheeks flushed pink, just as Kaeya's cheeks redden. The beauty hidden by the masks were practically angelic. The full feature of their faces in view. The way her cheeks redden, e/c eyes staring upon his own ice blue ones along with her lips, opening and closing as if speechless. There was a sense of familiarity to it, as if they had bonded once.
"Kaeya?" Y/n felt her cheeks turning more red. "Y/n... I missed you." The cavalry captain in front of her pulled her to an embrace, and Y/n reciprocated, tip-toeing to bask herself in the cool rosy scent of the Alberich. The Kaeya Alberich, who she had bonded with a few drinks years ago.
"It's been so long, hasn't it?"
"Yes, although, don't you usually wear an eyepatch?" Kaeya chuckled as he retracted, but his hands still remain at her shoulders. "It would be weird wearing an eyepatch and a masquerade mask," he replied. "Touche."
"So... I guess I found my suitor now?" Kaeya grinned, holding her hand in his. "I guess it means so." "Good. I wanted to just be in a pub today, but this works." Kaeya links his arm around hers, and said, "Well we can always go to Angel's Share." Looking at his smile, and his teasing eyes, now shadowed by a mask once again, she nodded enthusiastically. "I'm in." And so the couple snuck out off the ballroom to a more casual setup.
