#ohlawdhecomin

The masquerade was everything it promised to be; wild, chaotic, joyous– but also perilous and nerve-wracking. Between fighting against time to find anything that would banish a freaky goat ghost, dodging the creepy courtiers, and weaving around rambunctious party-goers, it was cracking up to be a lot more than they expected. But by some grace or another, the apprentice found themselves with a moment to breathe. To rest and calm their nerves, to make themselves ready for the trials ahead… but something was missing, because they found themselves alone. 

And if they were being honest, nothing was better than spending time with the one they loved the most– one Portia Devorak. 

But alas, the trusty handmaiden couldn’t be seen from where they stood, even if this place was the last spot they saw her at. Well, another search then, for their incognito girlfriend, and they were certain if they followed the sound of dramatic gasps and peals of laughter they would find Julian… and if they found Julian… 

 Sure enough, they were right. they overheard some guests talking about a man who danced on some tables, and was now entertaining not one, not two, but three of Prakra’s Princesses in the gardens! Well, if that didn’t sound like Julian nothing did. They made their way through the crowds, unnoticed and unhindered, probably thanks to the mask adorning their face, they’d have to remember to properly thank Asra for it… such fine craftsmanship… 

The Apprentice approached the small group, Julian at the center describing some magnificent adventure in great detail, absolutely enthralling the crowd… and beside him was their darling, their star. 

Portia was tugging at her brothers suit, glancing to and fro with a worried expression, whispering to him urgently. Julian didn’t seem perturbed, however, and continued with his tale. 

Perfect. 

They slip unnoticed over to the handmaid, an arm snaking around her waist as they lean down to whisper in her ear. 

“Can i steal you away for a moment?” 

Portia wheels around almost immediately, a soft gasp leaving her as she stares up at them wide eyed, but her expression quickly changes upon seeing her visitor. she smiles, a playful grin on her face as she gently punches their shoulder. 

“Don’t sneak up on me like that! you’re lucky i wasn’t holding a shovel, that could have ended badly for you.” 

The Apprentice only grins wider, stealing a quick kiss from her. “You would have hit me with a shovel? hm… i dont think so, seeing as you would notice this face and see its not some creepy goat, but in fact you’re very enticing lover.” 

Portia rolls her eyes, laughing as she gently takes their hands. “Oh of course, how could i forget.” her attitude changes for a brief moment, as if remembering why they were all here in the first place aside from the party. 

“did you need something? do you guys have a plan or–” 

they gently shush her, cutting off anything she had to say further with a soft kiss to her lips. “I’ve got some time to spare… i wanted to spend it with you. this way.” 

Portia doesnt object as they pull her from the crowd, none of which seemed to have noticed their little reunion, all too enamored with Julians marvelous story to care. They steer her towards the fountain in the center of the gardens, and past that to the maze in the west, which remains the least crowded of all places in the palace. In the days prior, the apprentice had found a small little alcove in the maze which held a comfortable little gazebo, overgrown in white rose bushes. it was the perfect hideaway, and even better if they were there with portia. 

“Ooooh! I’ve never been here before! how’d you find this place?” Portia gasps in awe, gazing at the scenery around them; the plants lit by the magical floating lamps in the sky, all shining different colors… The apprentice merely smiles, giving her a wink as they sit down in the gazebo. 

“Ill never reveal my secrets.” 

Portia smiles, tilting her head as she looks back up at them, her smile warm and affectionate. “Well you can keep them, so long as you promise to show them all to me eventually.” Their smile broadens and they lean down to gently pull her mask off, and she does the same to theirs, laying them both gently on the ground beside them. 

“Of course.” Their words are soft and whispered, followed by a loving kiss that steals her breath away. Portia cant help but sigh as the apprentice threads careful fingers through her hair, and she pulls them closer as they break the kiss. 

“ l love you, you know that?” 

They laugh softly, a little breathless but more than ready to kiss her… over and over again, as many times as they could before they would need to part for an even longer amount of time. 

“Naturally… and I love you as well, Portia Devorak.” 

Portia laughs, her cheeks a bright rosy red that make her freckles stand out, her eyes shining. “Well when you say it like that it sounds like you’re proposing!” 

They shrug, looking a little bit guilty, and Portia’s face goes a little pale when they dont say anything in reply. 

“Ohmygod– you— you weren’t going to– now?” 

“well….” They start to say something but then trail off, and Portia almost looks on the verge of tears. 

“I wasnt planning on it, but would you have said yes?” 

Portia lets out a loud groan, smiling even though she feels foolish, and a little bit relieved… not that she would say no, but nerves, ya know? 

“Well you’ll just have to ask and find out now wont you?”