Chapter Text
Britannia studied her reflection within the mirror, studying her appearance because tonight was of great importance. Tonight was the ball that all the Evanuris would be in attendance and Andruil lectured her for hours how to behave. Tonight would not be the night to make mistakes or she would be punished severely by her mistress. The elf closed her eyes and took a deep breath to try and steady her rattled nerves.
Britannia hated the fact that Andruil used her gift as a singer to her disposal. She was always forced to be the entertainment at every gathering she held. It made her skin crawl when the goddess would give her that wicked smile and call her 'My little songbird'. She was seen as the huntress's pet and the thought sickened her.
Her glanced one last time at her Vallaslin marred face before the lock on the door was opened. Andruil insisted on keeping her within a locked room. Truly like a bird in a cage. Britannia turned to face who entered her gilded cage. It was one of Andruil's sentinels.
"The mistress said for you to come to the ballroom. The festivities have begun.", he stated with such indifference. The songstress stood and made her to the ballroom. She mustn't keep her lady or her guests waiting.
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Andruil rapped her fingers impatiently against the banquet table. All of the other members of the Pantheon had arrived on time except Fen'Harel. The wolf always took great pleasure getting under her skin. She made a sound of annoyance. Falon'Din lifted his glass to his lips, taking a long sip before placing it down to chuckle at Andruil's behavior.
"The wolf is already getting under your skin and he isn't even arrived yet.", he smirked at the huntress's impatience. Ghilan'nain tried her best to calm her clearly irritated lover. Andruil shot a deadly glare at Falon'Din before turning her attention to Mythal, who was the one responsible for inviting Fen'Harel in the first place.
"The wolf is late. As always. I have no patience for his petty games, Mythal.", she practically hissed at the All-Mother. Mythal sighed heavily. She should have known he would have pulled a stunt like this. He truly detested Andruil and took great enjoyment by toying with her. "Andruil...I assure you he is coming. He should be arriving soon.", she reassured the fuming goddess.
Andruil rolled her eyes with disdain before picking up her glass, taking a long sip. Her eyes did however seem to light up when she saw her prized songbird enter the ballroom. "Entertainment has arrived. My lovely songbird...how lovely for you to finally join us.", she cooed as Britannia stood before the banquet table.
Her azure eyes took in all the members of the Pantheon nervously. She noticed the empty chair beside Mythal with brief curiosity before bowing before them. "It's an honor to be here before you all my lords and ladies.", she stood before them with a mask of confidence. In truth, she was truly terrified and intimidiated.
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Fen'Harel finally arrived. A smirked appeared upon his features. He deliberately arrived late to irriate the all mighty huntress. The wolf stroded through the gilded halls, heading towards the ballroom. He could hear the faint sound of music playing. It seemed like the festivities had already begun.
He truly had no interest in attending this gathering. All the members of the Evanuris despised him except for Mythal. She had always been sympathetic to his cause of freeing the slaves and rebelling against the other members of the Pantheon. The All-Mother did all she could to protect and aid him in his endeavour while trying to soothe Elgar'nan's temper. He knew he couldn't always rely on her always backing him.
He had reached the large double doors of the ballroom. The wolf entered the room proudly and everyone immediately noticed him. Andruil instantly shot him a venomous glare. "How good of you to finally join us, /wolf/.", she spat the word like it tasted sour upon her tongue.
Fen'Harel placed his hands behind, strolling to his seat at Mythal's side. "Though I have better things to be doing with my time, It would have been rude of me to recline an invite, so here I am", his steely eyes looked upon her with a disinterested expression. His behavior alone immediately enraged her. She clenched her fists, opening her mouth to retort, but Ghilan'nain placed a hand upon her shoulder.
"Vhenan...Don't let him get to you. He's provoking on purpose. Let us enjoy the ball. I really want to hear your lovely songbird sing for us.", the soft spoken goddess glanced over to Britannia who stood patiently, waiting to begin. Andruil calmed instantly at her love's words. "Very well, ma lath.", she took her hand and placed a light kiss upon it. Her hard gaze finally fell on Britannia, "Alright, my pet. Sing for us."
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The music began to play softly, filling the room with a sweet melody. Britannia closed her azure eyes and began to sing a light and cheerful song that Andruil enjoyed. She lost herself within the music. It was always a brief escape from her prison. The young elf began to sway to the tune, her emerald gown fluttering with her movements. Her voice never waivered as she sang even though her legs quivered and her hands shook.
The arrival of Fen'Harel added to her nervousness. There had been rumors surrounding the rebel. That he wanted to free the slaves of their chains. She desperately wanted to be free of these bindings, but having such thoughts weren't allowed here. Even uttering his name was enough to render punishment.
As she sang, she couldn't help but steal a glance at the rebel. Their eyes met briefly. She quickly diverted her eyes elsewhere. She didn't want to be caught staring. Britannia knew Andruil was watching her every move, so she had to stay in her role. She had to be the obedient pet that knew her place.
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Fen'Harel ignored the senseless chattering of the Pantheon around him. All of his focus was on the enchanting songstress before him. The lilt of her song and the graceful sway of her hips had him mesmerized. Such a beautiful woman didn't deserve to be in chains or used as a source of entertainment.
The wolf inside him didn't miss the shy glance at him. It stirred something predatory in him. He wanted to free her, but yet have her for himself. He internally chastised himself for thinking that way. The rebel took note of the faint flush upon her cheeks when their eyes met briefly.
He took his wine glass in hand and took a long, savory sip. His icy eyes never leaving her form. She had glanced away quickly in fear of being caught, putting her mask back in place. Fen'Harel was determined to set this songbird free from her cage. She deserved to be free.