Praeteritum

Unus

The nerves shoot through my veins like electric sparks, causing my body to be wound tight with tension. I bite my lip and fidget nervously with my coin pouch as I wait in line for my turn to grab a costume from the pile of luxurious silks and satins on the table. From where I'm standing I can see a multitude of fabrics dipped in bright, bold colors that stand out or deeper, richer tones that blend in wonderfully. 

  The person in front of me, a woman with long black hair and tan skin, steps forward and it's finally my turn. I take a deep breath and walk in front of the numerous tables filled with well made costumes to find my own. 

 I sort through a few I thought were nice, but the red was just slightly to deep to match my eyes and the blue one I picked out wasn't my size. After a minute I begin to feel discouraged, though I take a deep breath and silently remind myself there was probably a thousand costumes here. It helps a decent amount, at least enough for me to feel comfortable continuing to look. 

 As I'm about to go to a new table I notice something that catches my eye. A deep sapphire color catches my eye, shimmering gently in the faint light given off from the lanterns. I run my fingers over it gently before picking the costume up, the softness of the fabric bringing a smile to my lips. It seems my size and the color complements my warm skin tone and rich blue eyes. 

 I bunch the fabric gently in my hands as I walk nervously to one of the attendants there. They notice me and give me a warm smile. "Are you ready to try on your costume? Right this way please." I follow without word, too shy to speak. They lead me to a small structure that resembles a tent, an opening that ties to close in the front. I thank them quickly and walk in after they hurry back to the tables to help other guests attending the masquerade. I tie the entrance closed and start pulling my clothes off, glad I had worn lighter clothing tonight as they were easy to get off. 

 I admire the costume for a moment, turning it so it would catch in the light before undoing the clasps and untying pieces, frowning gently at the complicated piece. I eventually manage to get it on completely and smile in triumph, turning to the mirror to see my appearance.  I gasp in shock at my reflection; I can barely recognize myself in the luscious clothing, the fabric sliding easily against my skin. 

 After I take a moment to recollect myself I began to fix my hair, digging in the small bag I had brought with supplies to fix myself up. I pull out a small wooden brush painted a pretty lilac color. I brush through my fluffy, blush colored hair soft from the deep cleaning I had done the night before in preparation for the extravagant event that begins tonight. I fix it up and curl it gently, leaving it in loose waves. 

 I grab one more thing from my bag: a basic necklace that hangs gently against my breastbone, shining a deep cobalt in the light. I fasten it around my neck and even it out so that the pendant lays symmetrical against my collarbones. I take one last glance at myself in the mirror before gathering up my things and leaving the tent. I go up to an attendant and pay them for the costume, thanking them before scurrying off.

 I wander over to where the attendants have set up a place to house our things while we're in the masquerade and hesitantly place my bag and clothes in one of the places, focusing for a moment to cast a cross-me-not spell. Once satisfied nobody would steal my things I leave and walk to the entrance of the palace, walking past the gates.

  I glance around and walk to one if the vendors selling masks and glance around, searching for one that called to me. The seller at the tent smiles at me. "Are you looking for a mask?" I turn my attention to them and smile shyly, nodding my head slightly. "Would you like any help looking for one?" I shake my head gently. "No, thank you." They nod and tell me to let them know if I change my mind. I thank them quietly before glancing back at the masks. One immediately catches my eye.

 It was painted a deep blue with silver accents and was in the shape of a fox, covering only the eyes. I gently pluck it from its place on the table in front of me and hold it up, placing it on my face to make sure it was comfortable. Once deemed fit by me I smile softly at the vendor and rake out a few coins, paying him. He thanks me and tells me to have a nice time at the masquerade, and I thank him as I leave the stall and walk further into the palace grounds where the actual masquerade was taking place.