NOVEL NEXT Chapter 81 - Ellie: Unexpected Meetings
The figure clad in priestly vestments steps forward, a grin on his face as he raises his hand in greeting.
“Took you long enough to get ready, Ellie!” Harry says. “We were all waiting for you!”
“She seems a little confused… Are you all right, Ellie?” The leader of the adventuring party we entered with, Simon, says as he steps forward, wearing our college’s uniform as his costume. “We split up maybe a couple minutes ago… Did something happen? Did you hit your head, or get attacked?”
The concern is evident in his voice, and as I look around, everyone is mirroring it.
The wizard, Kallion, is wearing the chef’s hat, and looking at me with a thoughtful expression. The tall redhead is wearing the platemail that was on display, her typical lopsided grin turned into a frown as she gives me a once over. Nathan is wearing the dress uniform, and he too gives me a concerned look. Finally, the party’s ranger, Allea, who is sporting the flowing green dress, gives me an intense, appraising look.
Under their combined concern, I waver over what to say. I was going to blurt out about being kidnapped, but if they all collectively came up here and my imposter simply tagged out with me, that might be unnecessary?
Also, a small voice in the back of my head whispers insidiously, how can you be so sure these people are who they seem to be? They could all be shapeshifters. You cannot really trust anyone in this place.
Before it becomes awkward I simply blurt out a “Sorry, I am fine, I just didn’t realize this was already backstage.” and fidget with my robe a little. I am however not nervous so much as feeling the paranoia setting in, and proceed to try to appear nonchalant while inspecting the group appearing as my companions. They all nod at my words and return to their discussion about their respective roles. I try to inspect them closely, try to figure out if they are who they claim to be.
But, even looking for the subtlest hints, it is hard to tell. I do notice something though. For one, Allea has not stopped appraising me, or joined in their discussion. From the short time we talked, she struck me as not quite talkative, so this is not out of character by any stretch, but her focus being on me so heavily is unsettling. Secondly, the wizard, Kallion, is joining in their conversation but haphazardly, almost distracted, he shoots Allea and me appraising glances, less off Allea’s blazing focus and much more subtle investigation.
I cannot get much more out of them however before the door opens again and a familiar face enters the room, followed by a much less familiar but equally or rather much more striking one.
The first figure that enters is my abductor, his signature grin plastered on his face, but instead of his leather armor he is wearing a fine suit. He leads the way towards us and speaks up as soon as he gets within earshot.
“Ah, it seems you are all ready? That’s good! The audience is all being let in already, so we will start in a few seconds. Don’t worry about your lines too much, we have helpers for you in case you forget. I will get on stage already and begin narrating the first scene. In the meantime, do get acquainted with the lead of tonight's performance!” With a bow, he slides backwards, revealing the other figure to us.
A small woman stands there, her face surrounded by blonde locks that are mostly gathered in a ponytail. A tiara adorns her head, the silver material contrasting her shining, almost golden eyes. Her skin is pale and blemishless, and her features are smooth and almost doll-like. Her shoulders are barely covered by a long red dress with short sleeves, and she wears long white gloves covering most of her arms up to above her elbow. The dress flows down towards her ankles, though there is a slit in the fabric at the side, exposing her lower right leg and the black pumps she is wearing.
“Nice to meet you.” her voice rings out clear and musical, as she smiles at us gently. “I am Juliette.”