Threads Become Chains

Masquerade Escape

AN: I used Google Translate for the Greek words. (And yes the quote is from Lore Olympus.) If you have a way I can have a better way to phrase it, please let me know in the comments below.

It was the night of the masquerade gala. The guests arrived, the orchestra conducting a symphony throughout the wings. King Mortimer spared no expense and then some. Everything decorated in such a lavish affair. It was a bit over the top but no one complained of course.

Minnie was almost ready for the masquerade. With help from Ortensia and Daisy of course. Dawning the stunning gown Clarabelle created just for her. Smiling softly whilst gazing at the gown in the mirror's reflection. Hoping she would see her again and wishing she was there to see her wear it right now. Gripping the handle of the mask tightly, the gnawing feeling in her gut grew more and more with each second that passed. Feeling a gentle hand upon her arm. Her gaze met Ortensia's with a kind smile.

'You look beautiful' she signed tearing up upon seeing her friend. Minnie mouthed her thanks trying to swallow back her fears.

"She's right" Daisy chimed in. Dressed in much finer fabrics for the gala. Publicly going to be joining the guests this evening. "Madame did excellent work, it truly was created for you. If it wasn't so special I would've borrowed it long ago."

"Oh and what makes you think I would've said yes?" Minnie inquired with a mischievous smirk.

"Who said I would ask you?" A second passed before all three broke out into laughter. Fading slowly as the clock began to strike on the hour. Minnie looked upon the two with so much gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you.... for sticking by my side."

"Aw, we're happy to have you as a friend."

'I second that'

"Look Minnie," Taking both her hands in hers, she turned to a more serious demeanor. "I know it's not what you would ever want. But I want you to know that no matter what, we have your back."

'We support you in anything you do' Ortensia added a bit out of the blue but it fit the moment so nobody questioned it.

"Ah you two....if you keep going I'm going to have as big of a head as Mortimer!' Minnie joked as Daisy rolled her eyes and playfully swatted her shoulder.

"Puh- lease! As if you can ever match that gigantic of an ego. Geeze, if anyone did they should win a prize."

"Why? Isn't their big-head heavy enough? Why add a heavy trophy to boot." Minnie joked as they giggled once more. It was a distraction from the reality at hand. A more than welcoming one to say the least.

'Well I would love to continue the debate. But I have work to attend too.' Ortensia stated before exiting the room quickly.

Unlike Daisy who trained to be a lady royal long ago before the war, Ortensia was content with doing servant work. It seemed to give much more freedoms than those of social status. But the abrupt end gave both ladies a glance in confusion towards each other before shrugging it off. Knowing that she disliked large crowds of this manner.

"Well....are you ready?" Daisy asked feeling a bit like a fool at the question.

"I don't think it can be delayed much longer." Beginning to shake felt an arm link with hers.

"Perhaps it's best if I stayed nearby. Just in case."

"I don't suppose I can delay the inevitable by fainting?"

"I can go along with it. I'm quite good at getting folks out of a crowd." With a wink and a smile they headed towards the ballroom.

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