Shadows

Scouting For Chains IV

After circling back to meet Madame Dalnore, and running into each other along the way, they both showed off their bracelets, and with a brief nod, were given permission to depart. Haviland led Fara to the bathroom, where they made sure it was vacant before locking the main door.

Haviland slid off her mask and peeled off her gloves, putting them on the counter by a sink. Sighing, she ran cold water before splashing it onto her face. Fara leaned against the counter next to Haviland, removing her mask and letting it drape onto the marble countertop. They were silent for a few moments.

"So," Fara starts, but doesn't finish, looking at her shoes.

"Ten years ago," Haviland began, her eyes leaving her mirrored face and looking above her, at the gold-crusted ceiling, "we would never have dreamed to set foot in a place like this." Her gaze drifting to the side, a memory playing in her mind. "Do you remember the paper masks we made as children, as we watched the older girls go off to their Scouting?"

Fara scoffed, her lips creasing to a sad smile as she lifted her head. "We didn't have string, so we used Rita's shoelaces. Madame caught us and we didn't eat for a week. Rita felt bad so she snuck us out to eat somewhere, spending her allowance."

"We swore to never tell a soul."

"Did you?" Fara asked, turning to Haviland.

"I'm a woman of my word," Haviland said, smiling, turning to Fara. "Why, did you?"

"Nope," Fara said, popping her mouth on the p.

Haviland turned back to the mirror and her face darkened, that usual tame storm that teetered on the surface on her mind. "We most likely will never see each other again. And if we do, it will be because one of us is dead."

Fara kept her gaze on Haviland's profile, her expression schooled. A wave of despair crashed over her.

"I hope to never see you again in my life, then."

"Me too," Haviland said. She slammed both hands onto the countertop, the noise bouncing against the walls of the bathroom. "Let's go."