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Slowly I reached a hand for his cheek to cup it. "I'm here, Julian," I answered calmly with a smile.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyQ5lQuhe6
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He cupped my hand and mirrored my smile with a sigh of relief. "Let's get you up, nice and slow." Julian placed a hand on my back to ease me sitting up.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUb1H8NfjN
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Slowly I began to look around. All was lush green with trees and bushes yet scented something sweet like nectar not too far. "Do you know where we are?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVNAITYHJW
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"Hard to say from the leaves and plants." He smirked broadly. "Something we will find out one way or another together." He stood up and offered his hand; I took it and got pulled up to my feet. Immediately Julian brushed off some of the dust and leaves on my clothes. But halts with a beaming smile as he was about to brush my hair with his hand.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnclXJE1RT6
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I spotted one bit of leaf in Julian's auburn hair and went on my tiptoes to reach for it. I wanted to steal a kiss, but he had the same idea. Our short chuckles melted in our kiss. We interlocked our fingers as our lips parted and leisurely headed off in an unknown direction. Not very long, we heard soft music and from between leaves shone bits of colourful light. At that moment, I realized it was evening as the sun was setting. Julian's shoulder tensed, and he squeezed my hand as he halted. His eyes were large, and he held his breath.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXa1xMyO8X
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"Julian?" I wondered softly.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA4t9vTDqn
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He blinked and swallowed thickly. "I-I think I know where we are." Slowly he removed a branch from a bush in front of us, and we peered through it. In front of us stood a large garden lit with colourful lanterns and hedges trimmed in various shapes and poses. People in elaborate dresses and masks were leisured about talking, drinking, eating, laughing and dancing. Behind them stood a large mansion no- it's a palace.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCz0frHDWD
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"It's Vesuvia." Whispered Julian surprised. "We're in the palace garden and-" He faces me, his expression turns from surprise to joy, followed by a mischievous smirk. "It looks like they have the masquerade. The large ball that Vesuvia is renowned for." Julian steps out and pulls me along. "I must you show this and if time allows for a dance!"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqBY8RVweF
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I smiled as his smirk was infectious, brimming with joy. "It looks like the curse has been uplifted and proves my theory was wrong, thank God."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAS4pdVnRH
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"What theory?" Wondered Julian curiously and halted in his tracks to face me.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhQQt5lPcL
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"Well, remember the theory I had but never shared as you told me how you got cursed?" Julian nodded. "My theory was that with whomever you made the deal wasn't the hanged man but someone else and tricked you, but I'm glad it didn't happen so." I cupped his cheek and smiled, trying to lighten the mood.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjtgcyIzLM
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He beamed from ear to ear. "I'm glad too." He squeezes my hand reassuringly. "Moira, welcome to my world and city, Vesuvia. But before I introduce you to dear Pasha and my friends, let us mingle with more suitable clothing." He winked and led me towards the palace.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S3NtyPc5d
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"Love to, dear Julian, but I hate to be the voice of reason why we are here." I reminded regretfully.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYW4LhUaKk
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"Then another reason why we should mingle with suitable clothes." He laughed as he paced on, and I nearly tripped over my feet, unable to catch up with his pace. At times almost ran into his chest or back when he made sudden halts before turning corners. Julian slowed his pace as we approached various tents and saw people adjusting their clothing and masks in front of multiple mirrors. The number of people made me a bit nervous plus none of us had an invitation nor money to pay for the costumes. Julian noticed me tense and rested an arm over my shoulder with a smirk. "Nervous to try out a different attire?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb4OzwGaAs
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"No. Rather, how will we not get caught since we don't have an invitation nor money." I swallowed.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DolMNvmwK
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His smirk grew broader and pulled me between tents, curtains and a large pillar. "I don't know who may seek me, but I know no one does after you." He kissed my cheek and transformed into his raven form. "Just for the time being until you have your costume and soon found one for me." He perched upon my shoulder.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMU1DJCiRi
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"Clever Corbeau," I smirked and walked out, but the crowd still made me a bit nervous. Julian kept a keen eye while I searched with a leisurely facade through the costumes.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlXC7M1def
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Not long, Julian pulled at the hem of my collar. "How about that dress over there, the dark green one?" He pointed his beak towards it; the colour caught my attention. I pulled it out from the stand; it was a long dress made of various shimmering cloths in dark green, blue and violet with bits of black and white to give contrast. I smiled as my mind was made up and the details Julian had noticed that I liked. "Good eye, Julian. It's wonderful. Let us find one for you unless you want to stick to my shoulder." I smirked teasingly.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBN6aGBScM
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"Tempting, but I want to dance with you before tagging that thief." Julian pecked at my ear.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42LT8Ci04V
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I laughed and walked on to find a costume. Julian suggested a very white suit with swallowtails, a violet waistcoat and- White shorts? I declined that suggestion and reminded him to dress in something less conspicuous. Suddenly my hand brushed against something feathery, and it was black. Gently I shoved aside the costumes. Julian gasped, amazed with an open beak. It was the suit that Julian wears in the game, the 'raven suit' as I've tended to call it.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATnf6WMfV1
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Suddenly a voice rips me from the dazzle of the suit, and a shiver runs down my spine. Close behind me, I hear Julian's voice. Yet, I am fully aware Julian sits quietly upon my shoulder in raven form. As I dared to look, so did Julian, facing the same direction. There stood a spitting image of Julian in the company of a young woman- That's me! I don't know how long I stared, but I quickly turned away as she felt my glance. Hot unease crept from my shoulders to my head and promptly pinched Julian to turn away.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPunmntBB6U
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He winced; Julian must be shocked just as I. Moira! Did you see what I saw?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq9AD1Wphj
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"Unfortunately, we are not dreaming," I confirmed softly. "We best not waste time and find Samson before it's too late."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXH3CDI3Kn
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"Too right, but I need to know what is happening here. I never thought I'd ask, but why is there another me, and where's the eye patch? Above all, how's that possible?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWeMAg5QKv
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"Let's see what we can find once we've found a suitable costume for you." I walked on but had to glance over them briefly, and so did Julian. They looked happy and in love. I wonder if Julian and I look like that. Well, not to mention, do I have such a broad face due to my square jaw? Absent-mindedly I brushed a hand along my jawline.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp8GjtG9VF
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"Moira?" Wondered Julian in raven form.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyDD55Bm53
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"Sorry, lost in thought. I'll tell you later. How are you dealing so far? Found anything?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH0Z5wO71b
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"I may need a moment to readjust all this. What was wrong with that dark suit you found before?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDNp1HRKax
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"I have a feeling the other you will be taking it. Plus, wouldn't there be too many feathers around you?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9bTcvfzQm
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"Hmm, let's see what the others choose? If the 'other' Julian takes it, I'll wear something else." He blinked, struggling to adjust to the situation and eyed him and 'other' me.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDfe2yzT6y
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I turned away to refocus on finding an alternate costume while Julian couldn't look away. Many suits are elaborate, but none so befitting as the 'raven suit'. Secretly I combined a few outfits together by taking one or two pieces that I think Julian likes and-409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhrIfSsmnB
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Suddenly Julian tugs at my hair. "The 'other' me is heading this way! Quickly! Grab a mask or give him the slip!" Whispered Julian, on edge.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYhxVLq8zc
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Without thinking, I grabbed a mask that had a large dark veil and fastened it on.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSQqyVgQOu
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Like on cue, 'other' Julian cleared his throat, and I slowly turned to him. "Pardon me, miss, but I couldn't help noticing your companion." He points to raven Julian.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8XwCbhNc2
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"That's Morr, my pet and companion. I hope he hasn't caused any trouble." I spoke softly with a slightly higher tone and a thin French accent. Raven Julian croaked and tilted his head.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIPZw5yozU
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Other Julian smiled warmly. "Not at all, had me surprised that Morr is a real raven perching upon your shoulder as part of a costume, I take it?" He pauses, and he looks at me with squinted eyes. "Your accent; where are you from?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUx0DziYFV
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"Oh, from a faraway country you may not have heard of." I felt my ears grow warm with unease.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXWREQKEB8
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Before other Julian could ask, other me pulled him away with a brief, polite excuse and forced grin.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr2vn1Wz1i
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Once they were out of sight, I sighed and felt my shoulders relax.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7bXJwjsDn
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"That was close." Julian sighed.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BAoedg9XV
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"Yeah. Something tells me to keep my distance from them."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMrr5v5wRT
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"Sound idea for now." Agreed Julian409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB7uTkluU4
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Slowly I turned back to the costumes and remembered I had one at hand combined. "What would you think of this?" I held it up for him.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG4v6ZjYYR
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"Hmm, good choice with the colours and cut, but-" Julian looks over to where we last saw the 'raven-suit'; other Julian has taken it as I assumed. "No, it's good."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1aLoTzkd1
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Soon we found a large tent to undress. Although the walls are but mere curtains, it felt like a safe haven to us. Julian quickly transformed into his human self once I closed the curtain, and a deep sigh escaped his lips. He ran a hand through his short hair while staring at the ground before his feet. Julian soon felt my glance and looked up. A smirk curved his lips, and he walked up to me. "Let me help you with removing that. No reason to hide here." He unfastened my mask with the large dark veil and strokes with a thumb tenderly along my jawline.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fRM59OOar
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"How are you coping-" We asked in a chorus and ended laughing, surprised.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQVkSgBEtd
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Julian leaned his forehead against mine, sensing I should go ahead speaking while resting his arms upon my shoulders.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutaIf6vRrE
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"Ok, I guess, but it is hard to believe. I know this version, this world due to the game." I bit my lower lip. "But seeing another version of you and me is mind-boggling. Yet, we can't let that distract us. We need to catch a thief."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X6jWaAYNw
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Julian chuckled softly. "Mind-boggling it is. Once we have the thief, I'd like to steal you to a dance." He brushed his lips against mine.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANBmbXAt0a
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I smiled. "Sounds appealing, but with what is at stake, it could be too risky."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6SOqwGvTl
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Julian's arms pulled me closer to him. He kisses the corner of my mouth and lingers there. "If only this were the end of the game and curse."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s6P6DWGqF
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"With another Julian and me hanging around?" I teased.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXL8IMCWjY
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Julian laughs as he draws his head back. "You know what I mean."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E8vCgHAlO
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Our smiles mirrored as I tiptoed to kiss him. I sensed a hunger in his kiss as one hand trailed to the nape of my neck and the other at the small of my back. A groan emitted from the back of Julian's throat.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XUgbJ4gU4
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I would have let myself go if we were here for leisure. My heart began to race from the kiss and the thoughts of how it could have gone. I trailed a hand through Julian's hair. "Oh, if only," I whispered. "Unfortunately, it will have to wait, but love to continue as soon there's a chance."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWmxbDjVFQ
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From Julian's eyes and smile, I sensed he knew exactly what I felt and meant. He brushed a hand along my cheek and through my hair. "Then let us dress to catch a thief."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK0fxer450
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With broad smiles plastered over our faces, we helped each other with the costumes. Julian told a few stories of previous masquerade balls he attended here in Vesuvia. He halted in mid-sentence as he held up a long black bandana in his hands and blinked. "Err, Moira? This bandana has two holes."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAknBpTEHY
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"Oh, I haven't noticed. Then it's a mask." I followed his glance.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN5GCSDgVW
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Julian tries to adjust it by letting some of his hair cover his eyes but folds the bandana wrong by covering the eye holes.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinhTKJ8ur1
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I couldn't help myself laughing at the sight of how he blinded himself. "Allow me." I giggled.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR0r6QvnCj
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Julian ducked down to my level with a broad smirk, slowly his hands planted at my waist.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmptJ6zYvK
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I undid the knot and removed the bandana to inspect how to fold. "I think it would be best if you covered your hair on this occasion. Don't want anyone else to have you mistaken for the other Julian." Soon I went on tiptoes as I reached behind his head to tie and make sure no hair got into the knot. As I was done, I rested my arms on his shoulders and looked at his face. The black bandana covered the upper half of his head and hair. It reminded me of Zorro. "Now, who is this dashing stranger that I've assisted?"409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjjbtIqi7r
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Julian chuckled and pulled me closer, beaming from ear to ear. "I wonder what ravishing vision has dared to assist me?" He gently took from my arm the mask that hung there and fastened it over my eyes. He stole a kiss before stepping back and brushed a hand along my arm to my hand. "Ravishing and mysterious as the bird magpie." He gave me a twirl with the hand he held on to me.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu446NlEZm2
Soon I found myself within his arms as if dancing. "You are handsome and mysterious like a pirate or thief." I smiled broadly.
"With a keen eye for all things shiny."
"And capturing another thief." I winked and led him by the hand we held out of the tent. We got away without trouble about the invitation or payment. Soon we found ourselves in the large lavish, decorated halls. I slowed down to take in all the details, colours, smells and people. The high society and luxury are something I'll never get used to.
Julian sniggered as he stepped closer and placed a finger below my chin to close my gaping mouth. "Shall we?" He held up his elbow for me to hook in.
I smiled and hooked in without hesitation, knowing he knew where what was in this giant ball. "Corbeau, where would you hide if you were a thief in hiding?"
Julian blinked, and his smile vanished rapidly. "Good question; this ball is so large there are multiple possibilities to hide. Not to mention change rooms and places and mingle with other people. And every year, the ball is unique, having new attractions and games."
For a moment, my heart sank, but we're not giving up quickly, and Julian did sense right before about Samson that this game will be anything but simple as it sounds. I held tighter to his arm as an idea passed my mind.
Julian halted. "Moira?" He whispered.
I looked up at him. He blinked owlishly. I must be giving an intense look for him to react so. "He mentioned his weakness! Samson can't resist a strong magical object. If we find one soon, we can lure him in."
"A sound plan, but this ball is huge, so the object must be very strong and secondly, where would we find-" He halted mid-sentence and widened his eyes as something struck his mind. A broad smirk spread across Julian's face. "Oh, umnaya Soroka!" He cups my cheeks as he smiles joyfully. "I know where or better said whom. Come on!" He grabbed my hand and sprinted off.
I had no idea where Julian was leading me in this blur. His dark cape fluttered, and after a long while, he slowed his pace. A hoarse gasp escaped his lips.
I dared to peek over his arm and saw a sizeable translucent shape of a goat-man figure with glowing red eyes. No one else seems to be noticing him, but it is hard to miss, maybe-
Quick-witted, Julian steps aside and pulls me along by the shoulders. Even though his face was half covered by a mask, I noticed him going pale, and his gloved hands on my shoulders trembled. "Did-did you see that? What is that?"
I nodded and looked back. The apparition is still there, and I can hear a man's voice snarling, angered that no one noticing him. "It's Count Lucio as a ghost," I whispered in dread.
"What?! No! Last time I saw, he was alive and surely not as a goat-man." Julian looked me in the eyes, hoping what I said was wrong.
"Was there a pandemic or a plague when you made the deal?" I asked calmly, yet I heard my heart throbbing at the ears.
"No." Julian blinked blankly.
"Then this is an alternate world to yours. It is your world, but things went differently here, and I recognize it from the game I play. That explains why there is another you and me in this world." I pause to let the information sink in for both of us. "Your world is elsewhere." I hold his hands in mine. "But we're here to capture a thief to retrieve the amulet, find your real home, and undo your curse."
Julian bit his lower lip as he gazed down. His expression appeared stern, but it was hard to tell what went through his head. I squeezed his hands gently to reassure him. Slowly a smile curved its way upon his lips. "I need a moment to readjust this and perhaps avoid a headache. So, this world is the same as mine, but it's not the one I left? Hence there is another version of you and me here, along this ghost goat-man that supposed to be the Count?" Julian looks over his shoulder at Lucio.
"That ghost goat-man is Count Lucio, and there will be trouble soon. We best hurry with catching Samson." I wanted to walk off, but Julian held my hand and stayed on the spot.
"You mentioned before the amulet, and I think it's Asra's. With that, I have an idea, but there's a gamble, and I'm willing to go with that to avoid you going with that thief." Julian paused and smiled mischievously. "With your idea, let's use one of Asra's charms to lure the thief to us. I think he still carries that compass that doesn't point north."
He was about to walk off, but I pulled him back. "With luck, we can perhaps fool Samson after all with a well-thought trick." I smiled excitedly. "As plan B."
Julian beamed from ear to ear and stroked my cheek tenderly. "Oh Soroka, you read my mind." He whispered. Soon he squeezed my hand and led me the way through the crowd. We scanned our surroundings, searching for Asra. I bet he wears the same fox costume, and his fluffy white hair can't be easily missed.
Longer than expected, we found him exchanging a few words to a short lady with red wavey hair over her shoulder and a cat mask-
"Pasha!" Whispered Julian and halted in his tracks as his eyes grew wide.
Instantly I knew we'd be spotted if Julian didn't move any second soon and won't get the chance to steal the compass and amulet. Yet, I understand his reaction. Quick-witted, I pulled him by the arm aside onto the dancefloor. It was the only thing I could think to mingle inconspicuously. "Julian, this is your sister but from this world," I whispered.
He sighs and looks down at me. "You're right, but I'm glad Pasha looks well and happy in this world." Slowly a mischievous smirk curves his lips as he places a hand on my waist and takes my hand. "Let's get a closer look with a dance."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEODYeSDgg
I gulped. "Sounds tempting but be warned, I have two left feet when it comes to the waltz."
He hummed, amused. "Something tells me that's not true." Off we danced and twirled on the dancefloor. "Haha! You have the rhythm, then the rest will come naturally." To my astound, I followed his lead with ease and was nearly instantly in synch with his moves with the music. "You were saying about having two left feet," Julian smirked teasingly as he noticed my surprise written over my face.
I laughed. "Then I stand corrected. I once used to dance jigs and hornpipes."
"But these are more complex; how is it you can dance the hornpipe but not waltz until now?" He wondered.
I smiled broadly. "Thanks to you, now I can."
Julian beamed from ear to ear. He laughed as he whisked me into an enthusiastic spin.
Luckily the music had a calm rhythm, meaning an English waltz. I got a brief glance in Asra's direction but too far away. He wore the elaborate costume like in the game. "Can we get a bit closer? I'd like to see where Asra may hold the compass and amulet."
Julian sniggered. "With your natural dancing, certainly."
I kissed him on the cheek. "Best we stick for now to our nicknames to avoid confusion, just in case."
"Got that, Soroka." He beamed. "Look at us, partners in crime."
"Indeed, for what we are about to do," I smirked and soon looked towards Asra and Pasha. They haven't noticed us. I could try some magic, but I fear Asra will sense it. Slowly Julian and I danced our way closer to them. From the brief glances in the distance, I couldn't spot a pouch, bag or pocket. Perhaps hidden within the sash around his hips? Not to mention stealing from him won't be easy due to his past and his familiar-
Julian's face turned ashen with widened eyes fixed upon my shoulder. Slowly I turned to look; there sat curled around my arm Faust. Flitting her tongue at me. I held my breath in shock that she could tell Asra the two versions of us, and well, there's a snake on my arm for the first time. "Moira?" Wondered Faust curiously and slithered slowly closer to me.
"Ah- eh- Y-you must have me mistaken, dear snake." I tried to avoid stuttering. Suddenly my other shoulder pumped into another, which made me spin and lose my balance. While trying to catch myself in the momentum, I found myself staggering toward a small buffet table. "Oh, sugar!" That was all I could say before crash landing into it.
"Mo- Soroka!" Called Julian as he came sprinting toward me. My eye soon caught something else to my attention. Asra came pacing in my direction. I don't know how long I sat there staring in dread at Asra.
"Are you alright?" Asra smiled warmly and offered his hand to me before Julian reached me.
Oh, fuzz-bucket! So much for being inconspicuous. I must have been staring dubiously at Asra's white-gloved hand before I took it. I pretended to have jelly legs and wobbled, leaning closer to him as a distraction while brushing along his sash. Soon my hand found a different round-shaped trinket; I assumed it was the compass. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I must have had too much Golden Goose. Thank you." I tried to speak, slightly slurred.
Asra's eyes flashed with alert, but he rapidly covered it with a warming smile. "Not at all; allow me to clean you up."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTFeBC6LDT
Soon I felt like water rippling all over me, my dress half wet from the punch bowl and smeared with bits of cakes and cream slowly vanished as if it had never happened. I gasped, amazed. "How generous and amazing." As I turned to the buffet table, all was set like before.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRxOGrRJAr
"May I have a word with you?" Asra asked softly and led me to a quiet corner as I nodded. I threw a brief glance over my shoulder to Julian. He winked as he mingled with the crowd. "Faust tells me you are Moira, but you deny it; how is that?" He smirked, and Faust slithered over his shoulders, facing me.
I said nothing as I stared at Asra. Behind him neared Julian, attempting to steal, but Asra turned around and squinted at Julian. "I presume you are with her?"
Julian gasped, speechless with widened eyes.
"Why are you stealing the compass? It doesn't point north." Asra points to my hand, holding the compass between the pleats of my skirt.
At this point, I saw the only option to be truthful. I bit my lip as I gathered my words. "Alright, I am Moira but not from here. I'm from another world. The same can be said for Julian." I took his hand as I stepped beside him. "Sorry for stealing it, Asra, but we need it to catch a thief with an eye for magical objects. He's the reason why we are here." I held up the compass towards him, understanding his anger and expecting a scowling glance.
Instead, Asra grinned warmly at me. "I sense from your magic that you are from a different world, but it is very similar to the one I know. I believe you."
Julian and I blinked at him, wide-eyed and speechless.
"I'll give you the compass in exchange for partaking in trapping the thief." He smiled mischievously and closed my hand that held the compass.
I looked down at the compass in my hand. We can need the extra hand, and Asra is ideally suited, but with Lucio haunting. "We gladly let you help us, but soon your help will be needed elsewhere."
Asra blinked but said nothing.
"Other Julian and me will be in trouble while Lucio still haunts. That's all I can say." I sighed, hoping it would help, yet would it alter the future? "Aside from the compass, do you have an amulet with you? It's oval-shaped, encased in silver with a chain to wear as a necklace."
Asra soon fumbles at his sash and retrieves the exact amulet. "You mean this one?"
I gasped speechlessly.
"Yes! That's it!" Exclaimed Julian, surprised.
It is Asra's amulet, as Julian sensed earlier. "What magical abilities would this amulet have?" I asked curiously.
"This thing?" Asra inspects the amulet. "I don't know, haven't found its purpose yet."
"What do you say, putting it to the test by catching a thief?" Smirked Julian mischievously.
Asra laughed. "How do you attempt to lure the thief?"
Julian looked at me, all ears to hear my plan.
I explained my plan to them and took both the compass and the amulet before heading off, away from Pasha, Nadia, Julian and me. Asra suggested luring the thief into the bubble room. Plenty of distractions in case things would go out of hand.
I stationed myself with Julian within the bubble room near a wall with a good overview; he placed an arm over my shoulder protectively. Our eyes kept scanning among the crowd, searching for Samson, while Asra and Faust wandered around the room. Soon doubt crept into my mind. Is this trick too obvious? Maybe it is, but if his weakness is for strong magical objects, he can't resist them. The compass and amulet hummed strongly within my hand.
Julian's eyes kept falling upon my hand with the two magical trinkets. "Do-do you sense a humming from them, or is it just me?"
"You sense its magic which I hope Samson will too very soon," I whispered and handed Julian the compass. "I believe you are more acquainted with using the compass than I am."
He held it up and waited patiently until the needle pointed steadily in one direction. It was pointing at me. He blushed and bit his lower lip with an apologetic and embarrassed glance. "Err- maybe you give it a try." Julian gingerly handed over the compass to me.
I couldn't help giggling at his shy nature and took the compass. Soon the needle pointed to Julian. He blinked wide-eyed with surprise, but soon a smile flashed across his face as I looked up at him. Quick-witted, I stepped closer to him and held his hand, our fingers interlocked. Slowly the needle spun and pointed in a different direction. I looked up and tried to spot Samson from the crowd. Then a man in a dark pirate costume came into our view. He wore a large black hat with ostrich feathers.
"Him." Confirmed Faust.
"Thank you, Faust. Tell Asra to corner the thief's right side. Julian will take the other while I will be the bait."
Faust nodded and slithered out of sight.
"Then it's time for me to be in position." Whispered Julian.
I halted him by the hand and kissed him. "Be careful."
"The same can be said for you, Soroka." Julian kissed my hand and mingled with the crowd.
I took a deep breath and mentally prepare-
"Pardon me, luv. Are you alright?"
In shock, I gasped while spinning around, unsure if my ears deceived me. I looked him in the eyes but felt petrified like a mouse staring at a smiling cat. "Uh- I- Uh-" I laughed nervously to stall time and gather my words. "It's my first time in a masquerade ball, and I know no one here."409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe40b8sErUo
Samson chuckled softly, amused. "Isn't that the purpose of a masquerade, luv? I thought I saw you earlier with a partner; correct me if I'm wrong."
"Oh him, yes, but he quickly wants to finish an errand and asked me if I can wait until he gets back."
"At this time and place? How long have you been waiting?" He steps a bit closer.
I look away, pretending to be ashamed and blushing. "Not long."
"Then may I have the honour of a dance?" He bows from the waist while holding out a hand.
Turned to him and smiled as I was about to take his hand; Samson withdrew his hand and smirked. "Very clever, but you fell for my trap."
Suddenly bright yellow ropes slithered into my sight and slung around my arms and waist to restrict me. The moment the magical ropes touched me a sharp zap of lightning cut the ropes. The ropes dissolved in thin air. I looked down at my hands as I felt a strong vibration. Asra's amulet glowed red and soon I noticed one of Samson's coat pocket glow red as well. I approached and reached out a hand.
Before he could step back, Asra and Julian blocked his path.
"I think it's the other way around. Did this draw your attention or me?" I teased and held up the two magical trinkets. "We got you now, Samson."
"You're not out of the woods yet." Samson laughed, and with a gesture of his arm, a strong gust of wind blew from everywhere. Parts of my costume and hair blew into my face. As I regained a clear view, many things vanished. I heard Asra calling after me.409Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE3Cippk5T
