Elizabeth: So, the plan is to find Kristiansen at the party? What are we supposed to do after that?

Morrigan was brushing out her hair in the mirror, soaking the brush in between strokes to avoid frizzing up her hair. “You don’t need to talk with the Tryst, Elizabeth. We’re all in the same room.”

Elizabeth: Who cares? It’s cool.

The fundraiser was just a few hours away now, and Alyssa had already organized their transport.

“We’re all going to be taking a limo there. The driver’s view is going to be blocked off from our cabin, so we can talk with one another there. Once we arrive, you’ll need to show them the I.D. cards I’ve made you.” Alyssa had taken control over the day, more so than any of them expected. Even though she had been rather easy-going with their plans, it was clear she didn’t want any mishaps.

“The only rule at these events is to not talk about official business. But, this is the perfect opportunity for us to get to know people personally and get their contact information.” She was running around the room, getting everyone's outfits in order. Makeup was strewn across the counter while Bruno and Juro were still in their regular attires. Getting ready as a man was a much less strenuous process.

Morrigan looked nervous as Elizabeth stood behind her, pinning part of her hair into an ornate rose figure in the back. Elizabeth’s hands were large but moved with intention, most likely a skill she earned from the jewelry she sold at the farmer’s market. “If we can’t talk business, how do we get some information from General Kristiansen?” Morrigan asked, her brows furrowed. “Shouldn’t we also be worried that he might recognize us?”

Alyssa looked up toward Juro, and he caught her gaze. Despite trying to read his expression, Alyssa felt like he built up a wall around himself today. “If Juro is right that the General is working against the main government, he won’t jeopardize tonight, but he’ll prevent anyone else from getting his hands on you. It’s a gamble, but it’s our best option.”

Bruno looked as if he had something to say with the way his mouth bobbed up and down slightly until it finally slipped through. “But, Alyssa, what about you? They’ll connect this to you at some point.”

“Me?” she exclaimed, rather shocked as she pointed at herself. Bruno could have sworn she dropped her shoulders at his comment, but they quickly returned to their original position. “Don’t worry about me. Let’s just get through this together. One day at a time.”

Bruno nodded as Elizabeth finally finished Morrigan’s hair. Morrigan twirled her fingers in some of the brown strands before she spun around in the hair to face everyone. “Let’s do our best to get his contact and those of the people he seems friendly with. If we play this right, he might even let something spill.”

Elizabeth clapped her hands together. “Alright, let’s get ready! All this planning is boring me.” She pointed toward Juro and Bruno. “Get out so the rest of us can change, perverts.”

As they left, Alyssa quickly tailed behind Bruno while Juro walked on ahead.

“Bruno,” she whispered, her voice sending shivers down his spine. “There’s a journal in the top right drawer of my desk. You can have it after tonight, alright?”

“Why?” he asked, looking over his shoulder. “Why after tonight?”

Before he could fully turn around for a response, Alyssa had already floated back into the room, and he could only catch a glimpse of her figure shutting the door. Her expression seemed wistful and envious for a moment before the door shut before her.

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When they all reemerged, they immediately complimented each other's stunning outfits, as it was the only time they’ve ever seen eachother in such decadent attire. Morrigan had her hair half-up in a rose bun while the rest draped on her bare shoulders. A light blue, glittering ball gown seemed to almost drown her in their waves that would gently blow with the breeze. Her blue-gray eyes matched perfectly, and she clearly applied too much blush to her cheeks.

Elizabeth wore a fitted and short gold gown, a deep v-neck in the front. Since she was the tallest, Alyssa’s clothes were too short for her, but she seemed to enjoy the spotlight.

“Elizabeth, do you want a jacket? I have a fur one that might look nice with it.”

She angrily shook her head. “Why would I cover up such a beautiful dress? I love it this way. It makes me feel older.”

Alyssa herself was wearing a traditional ethnic gown. It was a long ivory dress with large sleeves in the front and embroidered birds and flowers at the bottom that gently trailed up before cutting off at her hips.

Elizabeth: I thought you didn’t like white.

Morrigan fake shivered. “I hate white. It’s so boring.”

Alyssa’s radiant laugh filled the room, glowing brighter than the bathroom’s white light. “I didn’t use to like white, but I like it now.” Her hair was tied up in a bun, a white pearl pin holding it up.

Juro had clearly found his way through the multiple closets too well — he was sporting a bright blue shirt and brown suit with matching suspenders. His black dress shoes were too large for him, telling by the way he awkwardly shuffled across the floor, but he looked proud about his outfit. Bruno sported a simple gray suit that complimented his skin tone nicely, and his shoes properly fit around his fit.

“Let’s take some pictures together!” Morrigan cheered, grabbing Juro’s camera. “This is so exciting! Who knows the next time we’ll be like this together.” She placed the camera on the counter and chose a timer setting before walking backwards, stumbling a bit over her dress.

The group squeezed together to get into frame as the camera flash went off, Elizabeth rubbing her eyes in response. Morrigan ran up to the camera and grabbed the printed photo, waving it in the air as it developed. “It’s perfect,” she whispered joyously, smiling at the picture. “I’m keeping this one. Let’s take some more!”

They all took enough to keep a few pictures amongst each person, some including all groups or smaller duos; Elizabeth, especially, seemed adamant on taking some pictures only with Morrigan and Alyssa. While they were all complimenting each other, they suddenly jumped at the sound of a loud car horn from outside. “That must be the limo,” Alyssa commented, peeking outside the window.

Even though they didn’t discuss it, there was a silent consensus among all of them — they would all bring Juro’s paralysis guns. Many had them in their bags, attached to the inside of a jacket, or tightly tucked into a leg holster. Elizabeth’s holster took more fixing, but Alyssa eventually helped her strap it onto her upper thigh.

“Oh my gosh,” Morrigan gasped as she walked into the limousine. “They have lights in a car?” She sounded like a kid as utter amazement twinkled in her eyes. She sat on one of the cushioned leather seats as she dragged her fingertips across the color-changing lights that looked like seams between the chairs and the wall. “They even have a drink station in here!”

Murmurs grew in the limousine as more people flooded in, Alyssa smiling at their childish reactions while already being used to such a lavish lifestyle. Morrigan’s eyes glassed over for a moment, the lights reflecting off her tears like stars. “I wish I could do this all the time with all of you,” she suddenly choked out.

“Huh? What are you crying for,” Alyssa said, putting an arm around her.

“I’m just so happy with all of you,” Morrigan replied, her big blue eyes blinking fast to try and drive out the tears. “I wish my Dad could have seen us together. He always dreamed of me in a big dress.”

Alyssa rubbed her shoulder soothingly before replying, “Hopefully we’ll get some information tonight.” Her words bounced as the car began to drive off on the road toward the venue. The drive wasn’t very long, since Alyssa lived in the epicenter of Leith, but nothing could have prepared them for the sight awaiting.

Morrigan stepped out of the limousine first, holding onto the handlebars before finally looking up and gasping at the castle that danced before her.

[I’ m re a dy.]