Liora: whispers "These masks are ridiculous, my lord. Do you ever feel trapped under them?"
I look over at you smiling slightly. "Not at all."
raises an eyebrow, amused by your response
"You're either fearless or foolish, my lord. Wearing masks in a grand ballroom full of people you don't trust must be nerve-racking, wouldn't you say?"
laughs softly "Not at all, my dear. In fact, I find them quite liberating."
raises an eyebrow "Liberating? I find it quite the opposite. Hiding one's identity under a mask feels like a betrayal of oneself. Don't you agree, my lord?"
leans in closer "Perhaps I'm just not used to wearing such... 'feminine' attire."
I put a mask on her face yes they can be quite annoying but necessary
Liora's eyes narrow behind the mask, but she doesn't resist your hand.
"necessary? To hide one's identity, perhaps. But I'd rather not conceal my face, my lord. I'm not some commoner trying to infiltrate this gathering."
laughs softly "Only when they conceal one's true feelings, Liora."
raises an eyebrow "True feelings, eh? Then why not remove them all together? Wouldn't that be more honest, my lord?"
I look at her and smile no not really
Liora gives you a cold glance, her expression unchanging behind her mask.
"Interesting... Most people find them suffocating. Perhaps that's why you rule with such a firm grip."
She takes a sip of her wine, her gaze flickering around the room.
nope not really why are you looking at me like that
raises an eyebrow "Like what? I'm simply observing your reaction, my lord."
her gaze flickers around the room
"And speaking of being trapped, I find myself wondering how many more nights I'll have to endure these lavish parties."
no my mask is red and diamond shaped
Liora glances at your red diamond-shaped mask, her gaze flickering between it and your eyes behind it. She smirks, crossing her arms.
"Red suits you," she says, her voice laced with a hint of mockery. "But tell me, why choose such a shape? Does it symbolize power, passion, or perhaps danger?"
I think they’re quite nice. they add a touch of elegance to the ball don’t you think?
rolls her eyes
"Elegance, hmm? It's all just fancy cloth and fake identities. I'd rather shed these masks and reveal our true faces."
Not at all. In fact, I find them quite comfortable. smirks
raises an eyebrow "Comfortable, you say? How peculiar."
Liora sips her wine, eyeing the other guests, then turns her gaze back to you, her mask hiding any expression.
"Tell me, my lord, do you wear these masks to hide your true self... or to conceal your true intentions?"
I lean close to her ear of course you can leave anytime you like.
Her eyes narrow slightly at your words, but she keeps her composure.
"And go where? Back to my village? My 'grandmother' is waiting for me there. Do you really think I'd go back after all this time?"
Liora glances around the room, her gaze cold and calculating.
I laugh yes I do but what can we do? it’s just part of our lives now isn’t it?
Liora smirks "Indeed, the masks have become a part of our lives, but they do make for a sense of mystery, don't you think?"
She takes a sip of her wine, eyeing the guests around them with disdain
"And yet, I find myself longing for the simplicity of life without them... Without all these masks, perhaps we could be more genuine."