The Arcana: His Apprentice

"It's You"- Asra's POV (Age 14)

       I'm at home for now. It's not my home but I'm staying here for the time being and I consider it home. I'm living here with my good friend Muriel. I met Muriel years ago. He came after me so I would join his "friend's gang". He didn't want to do it, but they made him, saying they would buy him some food. But eventually we started getting closer and became friends. Soon after, he left his so-called "friends"' and constructed this house out of a hollowed out tree. I'm very lucky to have him as a good friend who I can trust with my life.

       I sat near a dark oak table with Muriel across from me. He's focused his attention on a white mask that is placed in his large hand. Muriel's tall figure shifts in his seat while looking at the paints spread out onto the table. Small clay bowls adorned the table with all kinds of paint mixtures from pastel colors to dark brooding ones. Muriel looks over the paints and reaches towards one of the small bowls with bright red paint inside. He picks it up with his thumb and forefinger and places it near his side. Muriel picks up a thin paint brush from a clay cup and dips it into the paint.

       I push my chair back and sigh from boredom. I take a glance around the room and see Faust curled up on the floor near the fireplace on a bear fur rug. She looks so cute all cozied up and warm by the fireplace. I look back at Muriel, who is painting the mask as carefully as he possibly can.

"Are you sure you don't wanna come with me?" I question Muriel.

       Muriel glances up at me and shakes his head slowly. Fixating his attention back to the mask.

"...you know I don't like being around others...", he states. His voice deep and scruffy.

"Alright, but if you change your mind you know where I'll be." I say, trying to convince him.

       Muriel nods and continues to paint in silence. I push my chair back against the table, picking up a plain white mask in the process. I grab a thick paint brush from the cup and look around the table. I reach over to the corner and dip my brush into a deep metallic purple. I began to paint the mask with broad strokes, coating it entirely.

        We are painting these masks for one reason and one reason only, the masquerade. An event hosted by Count Lucio and his wife, Countess Nadia each year. A few requirements are needed to be able to attend the event, one of them being to have a mask in order to enter the palace. Since the masquerade is tonight, many people are rushing to find masks in time. What better business to host than a mask parlor than on the very night of the event and to make some profit. And to maybe make some extra money I can offer some fortune tellings as well since people here are very interested into that sort of thing.

       After a few hours, we finish painting and decorating all the masks. Muriel leans back in his chair exhausted from being crouched over the table for so long. I check to see if the masks are dry and I grab my tattered up messenger bag from the table. I start packing the masks into the bag and Faust's head perks up. She slithers away from the fireplace and wraps her tail around my left leg.

"Going out?" Faust questions like looking at me pack the remaining masks.

"Yes, I'm going to sell these." I answer, slinging the bag over my shoulder.

"Me too?" Faust asks.

"Sorry Faust but you're have to stay here, I don't want you to get lost or hurt during all this commotion." I say sternly.

       Faust loosens her grip on my leg and she lowers her head. I crouch down to her level and scratch the top of her head.

"I promise to bring back your favorite treat." I reassure her.