[✨🌛] ─ A tale of two worlds~

[stan.]

1589 - moondust405

1590 - IlluminatiConfirmed

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[ what is their relationships to the masks? ]

[moondust405]

Today was something… different. A mask party, of all things. I exhaled sharply as I looked down at the mask before me. Another celebration, to appease the goddess. It was a different tactic. Some would say I felt too comfortable in the heavy earrings and elaborate updo I was in, but it comes with the territory. A royal family had a reputation to uphold, and I would not be the one to bring about our downfall for something as silly as appearance. The maid attending to me tied the mask on, before hurrying off to whoever needed her next, I assumed. I looked into my reflection, smirking at the sight of the delicate black craftsmanship. A fine mask indeed. However…

My gaze narrowed, watching the reflection ripple, revealing something else. Something… white. No matter, I had thought, looking at the time. It was time to go and make an entrance. I rushed off, missing the piercing gaze of a prince trailing behind.

[moondust405]

What had I done to deserve this…? I traced the outline of the mask gently, scowling. Thrown out of my own kingdom like some common dog. All because they worshiped him like some god, and wouldn’t see past his madness. No, I try to stop him, and they think I’m the mad one. Mad indeed.

I pulled on the mask for old times sake, the familiar weight almost comforting. At least I had been able to keep something from the ruins of the kingdom. Soon enough, they’ll regret their mistake. But by then, it’ll be too late. Good luck trying to take your freedom back on your own. I stared down into the pool of water before me, preparing to grimace at the sight of my matted and tangled hair against the immaculate white of the mask. Imagine my surprise when a reflection not my own stared back up at me, before quickly turning away. I almost didn’t notice the crossbow aimed at my back.

[moondust405]

Several of these mask parties came and went. They seemed to appease the goddess, and so they continued on with greater displays every year. Each brought increasingly extravagant dresses and jewelry, and yet I could not part with the mask. The black mask, carefully crafted with swirls and hanging ribbon. No, it was special. Beyond the craftsmanship, the other figure I continued to see. They were, simply put, alluring. They didn’t show up every time, but when they did, it was in a reflection, and a white mask, dazzling as a star, stared back at me. And yet, the rest of their figure was battered and dirty, a dramatic contrast.

I let the maid carefully tie on the ebony mask, catching my breath as I saw them in the reflection, looking more battered than usual. The maid made her exit, leaving me to my own devices. Biting my lip, I glanced around before leaning forwards, making eye contact with the white masked figure.
“Hello? My name’s Hidrun…”

[moondust405]

I grimaced as I sprinted away from the shouting figure behind me, the gravel path crunching beneath my feet. The bag against my side was heavy with stolen items, and I pressed on. A prince, once supplied his every whim, now stealing just to survive. How the tables turn, once you’re exiled. I darted through alleyways, face fixed in a growl at every statue of him. If it weren’t for him, I’d still be living in the palace, not reduced to these pathetic measures.

I tore through the alleys, trying to make my escape before any crown guards could find me. I could feel my stamina wearing down but- there! A small gap in the wall. I managed to dart out with a triumphant grin, retreating into the wilds beyond and letting the shadows swallow me up. I slowed my pace, grinning, as I spotted the pond that served as a marker. Letting out a breath, I leaned over, spotting the black mask staring back at me, jewels glittering in their hair and ears. One of noble blood, no doubt. Without their kingdom stripped away.
They leaned closer, and spoke. And I heard them- her.

[moondust405]

I saw more of him, the exiled prince, nowadays. Lucas, he said his name was. We didn’t speak often, but he never told me much anyways. The masks were a tentative connection, but more often than not, I’d find myself pulling it on, even for just a moment, out of curiosity more than anything. It wasn’t every day you found communication to another world. Sometimes Lucas was there, sometimes he wasn’t.

For a long time, I didn’t see him.
Not until the night of the last ball.

It wasn’t in the normal mirror, either. I was already out in the ballroom, dancing with strangers, laughing, making conversation and sipping champagne. It was then I caught a glance of him, in the pillar shining so brightly it reflected everything. I wandered closer, grinning at who I had come to consider almost a friend. He looked cleaned up, not dirty like usual.
He reached out, and I was no longer at the ball.

[moondust405]

I gasped at the sudden whirl of color, taking in the gowns, the jewels, the shining floor tiles and crowd of people in elaborate masks dancing and laughing. Something I never thought I’d see again. A twisted grin took over my face. Finally. Finally, I could be back in my element. I could hear Hidrun behind me, begging for me to pull her back.

But I wouldn’t.

No, I was going to enjoy my time here. I will relish in what was taken from me, what was flaunted in front of my face every time I pulled on this mask.

This will be my turn. My turn to be back in the revelry of the nobles. I am a prince, and no prince should have to live like I did.
I walked away from the pillar and into the party, Hidrun’s cries being covered by the crowd.
[997 words]

[moondust405]

Who did what?

Illuminati came up with the idea and plot of the story

moon did the writing

Illuminati proofread

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