TBATE-ONESHOTS

The Unbroken Vow

"How does it feel?"

Tessia looked at her reflection, seeing the white mask she was currently wearing, covering her whole face and featuring a crescent moon over her left eye. She gingerly raised her hand, brushing the tips of her fingers along its front, feeling the smooth texture. 

"Weird," Tessia responded, and her eyes widened. The voice that came out when she spoke wasn't her own; it sounded deeper. Her eyes flicked to the figure standing behind her through her reflection, her gaze questioning. 

Lilia chuckled at Tessia's gaze, "Like it? The mask changes your voice so that no one can recognize it."

Tessia hummed before looking back at her reflection, "Clever." She took off her mask and turned around, staring at it as she held it in her hand. "This will definitely work." 

"I'm glad," Lilia said, before she turned, picking up the box that was lying in the chair. "I also got the gear that you requested."

Tessia lowered the mask and turned, watching Lilia as she opened the box. Stepping forward, her lips curled as she observed the adventuring gear inside. It consisted of a black long-sleeve shirt, gray pants, and light brown sleeveless leather armor, leather braces, and shin-high leather boots, as well as a black hooded cloak. 

"These are nice," Tessia nodded. 

"I was able to get four sets," Lilia said, eyeing the gear before looking at Tessia. "Two sets for me, and two for you."

Tessia looked at Lilia, "You don't need to go with me, you know."

Lilia smiled, "What kind of friend would I be if I let you go off on your own?"

Tessia returned Lilia's smile, "You never did ask me why."

Lilia shrugged, "I figured you'd tell me when you're ready, or if you wanted to. But when you came to me with this request, I wasn't going to say no. Of course, I was going to help, after all, we're good friends."

Tessia's smile grew as Lilia was right. She genuinely considered Lilia a close friend ever since they met at Xyrus Academy. They had both served on the student council, where they worked together, and they also spent their free time together. They would spend late nights together gossiping and complaining about everything and anything. Tessia loved how well Lilia listened to her, especially when she complained about her family and her royal duties. 

It's why Tessia trusted Lilia's discretion when she came to her with her request. She needed an escape, to leave her duties and civilization for a little bit. She needed to be away from her responsibilities and just relax. And, there was only one place she could think of that was just perfect for such an escape.

"Now," Lilia began as she walked toward the window in the dressing room. She looked outside the dark window. "The sun is barely rising, so the streets of Xyrus should also be empty, and the adventurers' guild should be opening soon."  She turned and looked at Tessia, "We should have enough time to get dressed and make our way over there."

Tessia nodded, then reached down, picking up one of the black tunics. "Well," Tessia began, staring at the black tunic. She looked at Lilia, "Let's get started."

***

Lilia was careful as she closed the doors to the auction house. Tessia stood behind her, mask in her hand, her eyes darting around, making sure no one snuck up on them. They had been careful when leaving the auction house, making sure no guards caught them. Sure, they may not have been suspicious about Lilia being there, especially since her parents owned the auction house. However, they could've started asking questions once they realized Tessia, the elven princess, was with her. And, the last thing Tessia wanted was for guards to be asking questions.